Night-time leg cramps are sudden, painful muscle contractions, most often in the calf. They’re common and usually harmless, but frequent cramps can sometimes have an underlying cause.
🌙 Common causes
- Dehydration
- Muscle fatigue or strenuous exercise
- Prolonged sitting or inactivity
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Certain medicines, including some diuretics and cholesterol medicines
- Occasionally, conditions affecting the nerves, circulation, kidneys, thyroid, or metabolism
🦵 What to do during a cramp
- Straighten the leg and gently pull your toes toward your face.
- Massage the cramped muscle.
- If safe, stand up and put weight on the affected leg.
- A warm shower or bath may help relax the muscle.
✅ How to prevent them
- Stay adequately hydrated.
- Gently stretch your calves before bed.
- Regular light exercise may help.
- Avoid suddenly increasing strenuous exercise.
- Keep bedding loose around your feet if tight covers seem to trigger cramps.
Don’t automatically start magnesium, potassium, or other supplements just because you have cramps. Mineral deficiency is only one possible cause, and unnecessary supplementation can be harmful in some people
