Often you may find yourself waking in the middle of the night with a muscle cramp that feels as though it won’t end. Nocturnal leg cramps can be a painful experience that typically occur in the calves, thighs, or feet that leave you feeling helpless until it passes.
“Being awoken from a deep sleep with a cramp that just won’t quit, is both a startling and unnerving experience,” explains Selvan Naicker, Brand Manager for CrampEase®. “These types of cramps can be a result of various causes, and once you understand why your body is reacting in this way, you will be able to ease the pain and sleep soundly.”
Nocturnal leg cramps can affect anyone of any age but are more likely to increase as you get older. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 33% of people over the age of 60 will experience a leg cramp once every two months, while adults over the age of 50 will have them at least once during this same time period.
The causes of Nocturnal leg cramps can vary, and Naicker points out the following can be why you are cramping at night:
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 as carrier, in your before-bedtime regime, can help you replenish these electrolytes and help you avoid cramping muscles while sleeping.
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.
On the other hand, 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 not stretched properly to counteract this shortening, it can result in legs cramping at night.
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.
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. If your medication is the cause, talking to your doctor can help you alleviate the cramping in your legs.
To avoid disrupted sleep and painful
“rude awakenings”,
it is important to find out why your legs are cramping and from there find ways to avoid them. Easy solutions such as using a supplement, staying hydrated, stretching and resting your legs when you can, can give you the peaceful sleep you are looking for.
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