What it is
Morning stiffness is a sensation of stiffness, tightness, or reduced joint mobility upon waking that eases with movement.
Research-supported
Morning stiffness
Stiffness and reduced joint or muscle mobility experienced upon waking, which improves with movement — duration and severity vary by underlying cause.
CategoryMusculoskeletal
Reviewed by Ian Henderson · Advisor
26 March 2026
At a glance
Morning stiffness at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Many people describe morning stiffness as feeling like their joints need to be "warmed up" or "loosened" before they can move normally. You might find yourself moving slowly and carefully when first getting out of bed, perhaps holding onto furniture for support or taking smaller steps initially. Some describe it as feeling like their body has "seized up" overnight.
