Have you tried Lidoderm patches? They work well for some people. You'd need to get a prescription for these from your doctor. Or, you might try ThermaCare heat wraps which are sold over the counter.

I agree with Mrs. D about lowering the temperature of your bedtime shower or bath to lukewarm, and using cold packs instead of a heating pad.

If you find, however, that heat just works better for you, then make sure you are using moist heat. If the heating pad you've bought only gives you "dry" heat, you can simply wring out a wet washcloth and place it between the pad and the cover, to create moist heat.

Maybe switch from showers to baths at night; that way you can put epsom salts in the bathwater, which is very soothing on sore muscles and gives you an extra dose of magnesium in addition to whatever supplements you are taking, as an added benefit.

That's all I've got right now! Hope this helps and you can start getting more and better quality of sleep at night. I know for me, restful sleep helps everything… from sore muscles to inflamed nerves to emotional wellbeing, and I can manage my intractable pain soooo much better!

Take care,
Alison