Yes, fractures can indeed hurt more at night.
While pain is a complex experience involving both physical and psychological factors, there are physiological reasons why fracture pain often intensifies at night.
Why Fracture Pain Increases at Night
The primary factors contributing to increased fracture pain during nighttime hours involve the body's natural hormonal fluctuations.
- Cortisol Drop:
During the night, our bodies experience a decrease in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. A reduction in cortisol means a diminished anti-inflammatory response, which can lead to increased pain and discomfort from a fracture. As the provided reference states: "there are two primary reasons fractures hurt worse at night: During the night, there is a drop in cortisol (a stress hormone) that has an anti-inflammatory response."
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and pain management strategies, particularly when dealing with fractures. Understanding these physiological factors can be helpful for better managing nighttime pain.
