Leg Cramps At Night: Causes and Solutions

Written by Sharon Brandwein, Health Writer

Methodology

At Sleepopolis, we’re constantly monitoring new sleep health developments in order to keep our articles as up-to-date and accurate as possible.

Just Updated

This article has been updated to reflect more recent medical consensus around leg cramps causes and prevention.

»

Whether it’s due to advanced age or the fact that most of us sit behind a desk for hours every week, chances are high that most people will experience leg cramps at night at some point in their lives. The thing about leg cramps is that they’re quite the wildcard. They typically strike out of nowhere, yet they’re mostly benign. And they’re pretty common, yet still poorly understood. Understandably, anyone who’s ever been pulled out of their sweet slumber by nighttime leg cramps will want answers. Here’s what we know. 

Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t be taken as medical advice, and it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, restrictions and regulations on supplements may vary by location. If you ever have any questions or concerns about a product you’re using, contact your doctor.

What Are Leg Cramps? 

Leg cramps are episodes of sudden, intense pain, usually caused by muscle tightening or contractions in the leg. Leg cramps can affect the calf muscle or muscles in the feet or thighs. (1) They can last anywhere from a few seconds to as long as 10 minutes, and while they’re not life-threatening, leg cramps can be incredibly painful. (1) In many cases, the pain from a leg cramp can linger on. (5) 

Leg cramps at night are the same type of painful muscle leg contractions, but Dr. Dylan Petkus, M.D. says they “typically occur during periods of rest, especially at night, and can lead to significant discomfort and sleep disturbances.” (5)

Petkus also tells us that leg cramps and their alter-ego, Charley horses, are “essentially the same thing, with the term ‘charley horse’ typically referring to a more intense or painful cramp, often in the calf.” (6) He adds, “Both involve involuntary muscle contractions, though a Charley Horse might last longer or be more severe. “

Who Gets Leg Cramps? 

Nocturnal leg cramps can happen to anyone at any age, but their prevalence increases with age. Of those over age 60, leg cramp prevalence ranges anywhere from 46 percent to 56 percent. (2) And while nocturnal leg cramps may be more common in older adults, that doesn’t mean kids are off the hook. Research indicates that 7 percent of children and adolescents may experience leg cramps. (7)

Women have higher incidences of leg cramps at night than men, and pregnancy is a known risk factor, with 30 to 50 percent of women experiencing leg cramps, particularly during the third trimester. (8) Research indicates as many as two‐thirds of pregnant women experience leg cramps 2 times per week, and that leg cramps at night may cause sleep loss and insomnia. (6)

What Causes Nighttime Leg Cramps? 

Petkus says, “The exact causes of nocturnal leg cramps remain poorly understood, but potential contributors may include neurological conditions and metabolic imbalances. Lifestyle factors may also play a role.  

Sedentary lifestyles. Our muscles need movement and exercise to remain in good working order, but increasingly sedentary lifestyles are pushing daily movement goals further and further away. Ultimately, sitting for long periods of time may cause leg cramps, especially leg cramps at night. (2)

Prolonged standing. Research suggests that prolonged standing for work may be a risk factor for leg cramps, too. And while the prevalence of leg cramps is generally higher in women, men outpace women for leg cramps associated with standing for work. (9)

Overusing your muscles. While a lack of physical activity has been linked to leg cramps, so too is overexertion. Daily exercise is good, but overworking your muscles may cause leg cramps. Also known as exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC), this type of leg cramp is pretty common. Like leg cramps unrelated to exercise, they are intense and unpredictable, and their duration varies. (3)

Dehydration, metabolic imbalances, and deficiencies. There is some evidence to suggest that dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may play a role in leg cramps. (4)

Medications That Cause Leg Cramps 

While medications can help treat whatever ails us, you’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t have side effects. Petkus tells us that leg cramps are a known side effect of diuretics, statins, and antidepressants.  

Diuretics. “One of the most commonly cited classes of medications that can induce leg cramps are diuretics,” says Petkus. He adds that while these medications are often used to treat conditions such as hypertension and heart failure, they can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which is a known risk factor for muscle cramps. (2)

Quinine. Petkus tells us that the very medicine “historically used for treating nocturnal leg cramps has also been associated with muscle cramping.” While noting that its use had declined, Petkus adds, “Quinine remains a notable example of a medication that can both alleviate and potentially exacerbate leg cramps, depending on individual patient factors and concurrent medications.” (3)

Statins. Commonly prescribed for cholesterol management, statins have been linked to muscle-related side effects, including cramps. (2)

Other medications that may cause leg cramps include: 

• Beta-agonists (i.e. albuterol) (10)
• Antidepressants (particularly those affecting serotonin levels, like Sertraline (Zoloft®) and Fluoxetine (Prozac®)) (11, 12) 
• Βeta-blockers  (typically used to treat cardiovascular diseases) (2)
• Anti-epileptic drugs (2)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (2)

When to Worry About Leg Cramps 

If leg cramps are a one-off occurrence, there’s probably no need to worry, especially if you can trace it back to an understandable cause like standing for too long or a strain resulting from an overzealous workout session. 

However, if leg cramps persist or leg cramps at night or consistently disrupt your sleep, it may be time to act. Noting that “persistent or severe cramps could indicate an underlying condition, such as peripheral artery disease, nerve compression, or a more serious electrolyte imbalance, Petkus suggests speaking with your doctor “if leg cramps become frequent, last longer than a few minutes, or are accompanied by swelling, redness, or muscle weakness.” 

How to Treat Nighttime Leg Cramps 

Leg cramps are a known sleep disruptor. And while frequent or severe leg cramps warrant a consult with your doctor, Petkus offers the following suggestions for more immediate relief. 

Stretching. While he notes that regular stretching exercises, especially before bed, can help prevent leg cramps, Petkus says, “Forceful stretching of the affected muscle during a cramp can provide immediate relief.” (13)

Heat and cold therapy. Hot or cold therapy may provide some immediate relief when a nighttime leg cramp strikes. While the choice may simply boil down to a matter of preference, just note: Heat relaxes a cramped muscle as it’s happening, while cold therapy post-cramp can be used to reduce soreness and inflammation. (15)

Take a warm bath. Warm baths can be viewed as just another approach to heat therapy. The net effect here is increased blood flow to your legs, which may offer some relief. Incidentally, a warm bath at night may also improve your sleep quality. (16)

Massage. Just as heat increases blood flow to the leg, offering some relief from leg cramps, a gentle massage can do the same. (17)

Sleep in a different position. Believe it or not, something as simple as sleeping positions may trigger leg cramps at night. So, if you’re prone to leg cramps, try to avoid sleeping in awkward positions that might restrict blood flow to your legs.

Roll your leg muscles. To help release tension and prevent cramps, Petkus suggests using a foam roller to roll out your leg muscles before bed. 

How to Prevent Leg Cramps

Leg cramps at night can be intensely painful, so for those who prefer prevention over a cure, Petkus suggests the following. 

Stay hydrated. Noting that dehydration can cause muscle contractions, Petkus says maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is key to keeping them at bay. (4)

Stretch before bed. A firm stretch can help relieve leg cramps, but gentle leg stretches before sleep can help prevent them.  (13)

Maintain a balanced diet. Mineral deficiencies (i.e., potassium, calcium, and magnesium) can lead to cramping, but a balanced diet can do some pretty heavy lifting to stop them before they start. (4)

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. We know that sedentary lifestyles and standing for prolonged periods may cause leg cramps, so to keep them in check, Petkus suggests moving around throughout the day to keep your muscles engaged. (2)

Wear supportive footwear. Petkus suggests wearing proper footwear during the day to prevent leg cramps at night. Noting that “Shoes with good arch support can help reduce muscle fatigue and cramping, he adds that supportive footwear is especially important during exercise or periods of prolonged standing.”

Exercise — but take breaks as needed. Engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding long periods of inactivity can improve overall muscle tone and reduce cramping episodes (2). And while exercise is good, overworking your muscles can lead to cramping at night, so Petkus suggests taking breaks as needed and giving yourself time for adequate recovery. 

Address electrolyte imbalances. “Electrolyte imbalances can contribute to muscle cramps,” says Petkus. So, those who suffer from frequent leg cramps might consider taking a closer look at the state of their electrolyte intake, address deficiencies, and smooth out the edges as needed. (4)

Limit alcohol. Legs cramps at night have been linked to alcohol consumption, so you might want to reconsider your nightly negroni. (2)

Try A Vitamin Supplement. While the research seems to be a bit dated, some evidence suggests that vitamin K2 and B Complex may be useful for treating nighttime leg cramps. 

(18,19) 

Medication and Supplements that Help with Leg Cramps 

Quinine has long been a solid treatment for leg cramps; however, its safety has come under fire over the years, with the FDA issuing warnings against its use for leg cramps due to some pretty serious side effects. (20)

Those looking for safer treatments and supplements for leg cramps may find relief in the following.

Note: It’s important to speak with a qualified medical provider before beginning any type of medication or supplement. 

• Vitamin B complex (18)
• Vitamin K2 (19)
• Carisoprodol: A muscle relaxer (21)
• Orphenadrine: For muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain (21)

All across the internet, many sources suggest that magnesium may be a useful supplement for treating leg cramps. However, our research yielded no solid evidence for using magnesium supplements in this case. (22,23)

The Last Word From Sleepopolis 

Leg cramps at night are so common that most of us will likely experience one at some point in our lives. Rest assured, though, that these intense pains are fleeting. With quick resolutions like stretching massage, you can help yourself get through them and get back to sleep in no time.  

Sources

Sharon Brandwein

Sharon Brandwein is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a freelance writer. She specializes in health and beauty, parenting, and of course, all things sleep. Sharon’s work has also appeared on ABC News, USAToday, and Forbes. When she’s not busy writing, you might find her somewhere curating a wardrobe for her puppy.