Nighttime Leg Cramps: Common Causes and Simple Ways to Find Relief

Nighttime Leg Cramps: 8 Simple Ways to Relieve Muscle Pain and Sleep More Comfortably

Few things are more frustrating than waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden, painful muscle cramp. One moment you’re sleeping peacefully, and the next your calf or foot feels painfully tight, making it difficult to move.

These sudden muscle contractions are commonly known as nighttime leg cramps, or sometimes “charley horses.” They can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may leave the affected muscle feeling sore afterward.

Nighttime leg cramps are common, particularly among older adults. Although they are