Night leg cramps are sudden, painful muscle contractions that can jolt you awake and last anywhere from a few seconds to ten minutes. They typically strike the calf, feet, or thigh, and while they are rarely dangerous, the discomfort can be significant. Understanding what triggers them is the first step toward preventing them.
En bref
- —Cramps can last from a few seconds to ten minutes
- —Ten distinct causes identified, from diet to medication
- —Several relief methods are documented, including heat and stretching
Dehydration, mineral deficits, and overexertion: the physical triggers
The most frequently cited cause of nocturnal leg cramps is dehydration. When the body lacks sufficient water, electrolyte levels become unbalanced, disrupting the normal signals between nerves and muscles — a disruption that can manifest as an involuntary, painful contraction during sleep.
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