Ahhh the aching hips are never fun. I found that buying a foam underlay/mattress topper REALLY helped. I used to have just a wool underlay over an electric blanket, but the electric blanket really does make the bed uncomfy. If it was summer I'd suggest removing the electric blanket if you have one, but otherwise, just move it as low down as you can. For example, electric blanket, then foam underlay, then wool underlay. I considered a pillowtop underlay, but the foam was cheaper. Just get the best/cushiest underlay you can afford, I reckon!

Staying active during the day will help too, even a 5-10 min walk.

I also read somewhere (and it proved to be useful advice), that a pillow between the knees works best if it's also between the ankles - if you lie in bed and think about it, no point having knees well spaced if your top ankle drops back down again, it sort of puts pressure on the hip - you need your top ankle to be level with your knee and hip joint. I mean, I'm no physio, but that's been the most effective pillow arrangement for me.

Other than that - if the hip or back pain is really bothering you and you're crying cos all you want to do is SLEEP, go for the panadol I reckon. Obviously that's not a long term solution, but it is a good stop-gap if the choice is pain or sleep. All the best! xo