This Is Why Your Legs Cramp at Night (And How to Stop it From Happening Ever Again)

Nocturnal leg cramps (the leg cramps at night) are not only painful, but they also prevent you from having a good night’s sleep, which is important to your health. So, now you probably ask yourself this question – why is it always at night?

Well, it’s because of lack of physical activity during the day. Lack of fluids and blood flow to the legs are some of the most common reasons for nocturnal leg cramps.

The cramps and pain generally last for a few seconds. But the resulting muscle soreness can continue for up to a couple of days. Individuals who suffer from these cramps are usually above 50 years old, but that doesn’t mean that younger people are exempt.

Leg cramps most commonly affect the calf muscle; however, some people have experienced them in their feet and thigh muscles as well.


Leg cramps at night and Restless leg syndrome


First, you should know that both nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome (RLS) occur during sleeping hours but that is the only similarity between the two conditions. You should also know that there are many differences between leg cramps at night and restless leg syndrome, such as:

• restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or cramping, while nocturnal leg cramps do.
• restless leg syndrome is more of a discomfort or crawling feeling in your legs.
• restless leg syndrome causes the desire to move the legs, while nocturnal leg cramps often prevent movement.

Moving the leg in restless leg syndrome offers relief – moving the leg in nocturnal leg cramps does not, instead stretching is required. This means that the syndrome forces you to move the limbs, but when you have cramps – the last thing you want to do is move.


These are the most common causes for nocturnal leg cramps:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Over-exertion of the muscles in the leg
• Standing or working on concrete floors
• Sitting improperly
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Medical conditions may also cause nocturnal leg cramps, such as:

• Pregnancy
• Alcoholism
• Dehydration
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Structural disorders like flat feet
• Endocrine disorders like diabetes
• Diuretics, statins, beta agonists

Treatment and prevention for nocturnal leg cramps


Treatment for nocturnal leg cramps depend on the cause. For example, if the cause of your nocturnal leg cramps is due to dehydration, ensure you stay well hydrated throughout the day. Other treatment and preventative methods for nocturnal leg cramps include. The most effective preventative methods for nocturnal leg cramps are:

• Use horse chestnut, which has been shown to increase blood flow to the legs.
• Take a relaxing, warm bath prior to sleep to ease any muscle tightness.
• Apply a heating pad to the affected area.
• Try acupuncture treatment to loosen tight leg muscles.
• Ensure you are not deficient in magnesium or potassium – deficiencies in both minerals are linked to muscle cramping.
• Stretch your legs prior to bed.
• Partake in water exercises to build leg muscles.
• Wear ergonomic shoes and avoid high heels.

What you should do when cramps occur?


First, you need to know that when a nocturnal muscle cramp strikes it can nearly leave you paralyzed. Knowing how to properly handle an attack will offer you relief and leave you less sore afterwards. Here are some tips to better handle nocturnal leg cramps. Here are some tips to better handle nocturnal leg cramps:

• Get up slowly and walk around a bit – shaking your legs can also improve blood flow.
• Gently massage the area in a circular motion.
• Ensure blankets and sheets are not tight enough to make the leg muscle contract.
• Take a tablespoon of yellow mustard to relieve discomfort.