Sleep Conditions > Night Leg Cramps > (Sleep Conditions Home or All Sleep Conditions)

Night Leg Cramps

Description

Night leg cramps are contractions of the leg muscles that happen just as you’re falling asleep or waking up. Cramps can be caused by many different things, some of which are sitting for long periods, low potassium levels, pregnancy, dehydration and diabetes.

Diagnosis

Patients complain of a painful tightness in their legs just prior to falling asleep or waking up. The cramp usually occurs in the calf.

Treatment

To treat a cramp, patients can stretch the muscle, massage the muscle or take a hot bath. To prevent cramps, patients should stretch regularly, get more potassium in their diet (eat a banana) and stay hydrated.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.