How arthritis affects sleep#

Arthritis — whether osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — involves painful, inflamed joints that become stiff with inactivity. Sleep is difficult for several reasons: lying still in the same position allows joints to stiffen; getting up to change position is painful; and the inflammatory process in RA is often worse at night, when cortisol levels are low and can't suppress inflammation as effectively.

Approximately two-thirds of people with arthritis report that pain disrupts their sleep. A mattress that minimises pressure on affected joints and makes position changes easier can meaningfully improve sleep quality for arthritis sufferers.

Key mattress features for arthritis sufferers#

Pressure relief#

For OA of the hip, shoulder or knee, the most important feature is pressure relief at the affected joint. Memory foam excels here, as it distributes weight away from pressure points. A soft to medium-soft mattress is often more comfortable for arthritis than a firm one, which can create direct pressure on inflamed joint surfaces.

Ease of movement#

Paradoxically, while memory foam is good for pressure relief, its slow response can make position changes difficult — and arthritis sufferers need to move position frequently to prevent stiffness. Latex and hybrid mattresses with more responsive feel make turning over significantly easier than deep-sinking memory foam.

Temperature regulation#

Inflammation and warmth are closely linked. Many arthritis sufferers find joint pain worse when they're too warm in bed. A hybrid or latex mattress that sleeps cooler can reduce night-time inflammation intensity.

Getting in and out of bed#

Strong edge support is essential for arthritis sufferers who use the bed edge to push themselves upright. A mattress with poor edge support makes this more difficult and painful. Also consider the height of your bed — a higher bed (45–55 cm from floor) is generally easier to get in and out of than a low platform bed.

For most arthritis sufferers, medium to medium-soft is the right range — firm enough for spinal support but soft enough to cushion painful joints. The specific choice depends on which joints are most affected and your sleeping position.

RA vs OA considerations#

  • Osteoarthritis: Focus on pressure relief at the most affected joints. Softer comfort layer is generally preferred.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Systemic inflammation means multiple joints are affected. Also prioritise ease of movement and temperature regulation. An adjustable bed can allow position changes with minimal effort.