Shoulder Bursitis

How Shoulder Bursitis Can Affect Sleep Quality: Understanding the Connection

August 7, 2023

You’ve had a long day, your muscles are worn out, and your mind is buzzing with the stresses and triumphs of the day. Naturally, you look forward to sinking into the soft embrace of your bed, where a peaceful night’s sleep will recharge you for the morrow. But for those grappling with shoulder bursitis, a good night’s sleep can feel like a distant dream.

How do you sleep with shoulder bursitis, you ask? Let’s explore the answer to this question, and delve into the crucial link between this condition and sleep quality.

 

Shoulder Bursitis

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small sac filled with fluid that cushions the bones in your shoulder joint. The inflammation causes a host of discomforting symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. One of the most disruptive aspects of this condition, however, is the impact it can have on sleep quality. When you’re in pain, achieving restful, uninterrupted sleep can be challenging, to say the least.

The Connection Between Shoulder Bursitis and Sleep Quality

For people with shoulder bursitis, finding a comfortable sleeping position is often a herculean task. Lying on the affected shoulder can trigger sharp pain and discomfort, resulting in restlessness and frequent waking throughout the night. This disturbance in sleep cycles can result in daytime fatigue, reduced concentration, and even mood disorders.

Moreover, research has shown that there’s a two-way street between pain and sleep. Poor sleep can exacerbate the perception of pain, and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle that can affect both physical and mental well-being.

 

How Do You Sleep with Shoulder Bursitis?

We at Essendon Natural Health are committed to your well-being. Our allied health treatments are designed to help you navigate health challenges such as shoulder bursitis. Here are a few strategies we recommend:

  1. Opt for a strategic sleeping position: Sleeping on your back can help alleviate pressure on the affected shoulder. Using a supportive pillow to maintain alignment between your neck and spine is also beneficial.
  1. Use Heat and Cold Therapy: A warm shower before bed or using a hot water bottle can soothe the inflamed shoulder and promote relaxation. On the other hand, a cold pack can reduce inflammation and numb the pain temporarily.
  1. Seek Professional Help: Our expert team at Essendon Natural Health offers a range of services that could potentially help. Acupuncture has been known to reduce pain and inflammation, and may improve sleep quality. Similarly, osteopathy might help to restore mobility to the joint, which could in turn help you sleep better. Our myotherapy and massage therapy services can also help relax the muscles around the shoulder, improving blood flow and hopefully reducing pain.

 

Time to Reach Out

Shoulder bursitis can pose a significant challenge to your sleep quality, and overall quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Reach out to the professional team at Essendon Natural Health to discuss how our range of services – including massage therapy, osteopathy, myotherapy, and acupuncture – might help you to reclaim your peaceful nights of rest.

Remember, the road to recovery is rarely a solo journey. Whether you’re dealing with the impact of shoulder bursitis on your sleep or navigating other health concerns, our compassionate and experienced practitioners are here to support you every step of the way.

Finally, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice – everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your journey to better sleep with shoulder bursitis begins with understanding your body’s needs and seeking the right help.

Robert Gentile

B.C.M (Hons), C.Clin.Prac (China), C.Toyohari. Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Integrative Natural Medicine Practitioner.

Robert is a passionate and warm practitioner who has an extensive knowledge of integrative and functional natural medicine. He is down to earth and has an interest in organic foods, gardening and sustainable living. With over a decade of experience, he is renowned for being very thorough by both fellow practitioners and patients alike.