Nocturnal Leg Cramps

Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden cramps in the leg that wake people up. These painful sensations of muscular tightness or tension occur usually in the calf but occasionally in the foot during the sleep episode. The condition becomes more common as people age: over seventy percent of Americans over age fifty have occasional nocturnal leg cramps. But people of any age can have nocturnal leg cramps.

They are also referred to as leg cramps, muscle tightness of the leg, muscle hardness, nocturnal leg pain and “Charley-horse.”

Scientific studies have shown increased muscle activity in the affected leg right before the cramp happens. In most cases, there is no detectable underlying medical disorder that could account for the sensation.

The cause of nocturnal leg cramps is not known. Some cases of the disorder can occur without a triggering event, while other causes of leg cramps may be linked to prolonged sitting, dehydration, or heavy exercise before bed. Muscle-stretching, proper exercise, and adequate water intake may help prevent leg cramps. Also, potassium rich foods in the diet such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and cantaloupe can relieve cramps.

Quinine sulphate (200 to 300 mg/day) has been shown to reduce the number of nocturnal leg cramps, but not severity or duration. The benefit of quinine appeare to be cumulative, and should therefore be taken regularly and under medical supervision. However, patients should be monitored for adverse effects as quinine’s safety profile has been called into question.

Sleep Disorders

Dyssomnias

Parsomnias