01/02/2026
Why does pain often feel worse at night? 🌒
If your pain ramps up in the evening, you’re not imagining it. Your circadian rhythm (body clock) plays a big role.
As the day goes on, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain. Research shows pain thresholds are lowest at night, meaning the same injury can feel more painful later in the day, even though the tissues haven’t changed.
Hormones matter too. Cortisol, which helps reduce inflammation and pain, is highest in the morning and drops in the evening. At the same time, melatonin rises to prepare the body for sleep. While melatonin is essential for sleep, it also influences pain pathways and can increase pain sensitivity, making aches and stiffness more noticeable.
Add fewer distractions and less movement in the evening, and pain signals can feel louder 😣.
Key takeaway:
Night pain doesn’t automatically mean damage or worsening, it’s often normal circadian biology interacting with a sensitised nervous system 🌙
Need some help managing your pain?
Book your appointment today 👇🏻
https://bookings.rehabguru.com/e0a65aefb6b607eea334bc87d9c06cae%3A47cede8d32b0789be6d742241b47284cbebb36d7a2bdad9c2846f62bde569bc9