5 common causes of leg cramps at night

Up to 60% of adults get leg cramps at night, as do up to 40% of children and teenagers, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Waking up in the middle of the night with cramps in your calves or thighs isn’t just an uncomfortable situation that’s disrupting your sleep, it could be your body telling you it’s time to make a change to your lifestyle and diet.

Here are five possible causes for leg cramps from CrampEase: 

1. Engaging in strenuous physical activity or overusing certain muscle groups can lead to fatigue and increase the likelihood of cramps. This is especially true if the muscles are not properly stretched or warmed up before exercise.
2. Not using your muscles enough or inactivity during the day caused by activities such as sitting for long periods of time behind a desk, may cause the muscles to shorten over time. When these muscles are not stretched properly to counteract this shortening, it can result in legs cramping at night.
3. Poor circulation can limit the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This lack of oxygen can lead to cramping after a while. Crossing your legs for too long can lessen the oxygen flow to your muscles.
4. Certain medications, such as diuretics, statins, and beta-blockers, can increase the risk of muscle cramps. Diuretics, for example, can lead to a loss of potassium and other electrolytes, while statins can cause muscle pain and weakness. Talk to your doctor about your medication, if you are suffering from leg cramps.
5. Dehydration, or a diet lacking in variety, can cause an imbalance in electrolytes. A deficiency in minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium, can disrupt muscle function and lead to cramps. Incorporating a supplement such as CrampEase Night, containing potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, in your before-bedtime regime, can help you replenish these electrolytes and help prevent cramping muscles while sleeping.

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