You’re sound asleep.
Then — suddenly — it hits: A sharp, tightening pain in your calf. Your foot curls inward. You can’t move without wincing.
It’s a nocturnal leg cramp — and if you’ve had one, you know how intense it feels.
These involuntary muscle contractions are common, often lasting seconds to minutes, but they can disrupt sleep, cause lingering soreness, and even make you dread bedtime.
The good news? 👉 While night cramps can affect anyone, they’re not random. Certain people are far more likely to experience them — and understanding why is the first step toward relief.
Let’s explore who’s most at risk, what triggers these painful spasms, and what actually works to prevent them — so you can sleep through the night again.
Because real rest isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing your body — and giving it what it needs.
What Are Nocturnal Leg Cramps?
Night cramps are sudden, painful contractions in the calf muscles (most common), foot, or hamstrings that occur during sleep or inactivity.
Unlike restless legs syndrome (which causes an urge to move), cramps involve tightening you can feel — often severe enough to wake you up.
They’re different from:
Charley horses (same thing — just slang)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) (creepy-crawly feeling, not pain)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) (pain on walking, not at rest)
✅ Most cramps are harmless — but frequent ones deserve attention.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Continued on next page:
