What are Nocturnal Cramps?
Night cramps, also known as nocturnal cramps, are involuntary contractions or spasms that commonly occur in your leg, foot, or hand at night time when you are resting. These muscle cramps can last anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes. Although muscle cramps are considered harmless, they can be extremely painful and can leave muscles sore for up to 24 hours. They can also disrupt your sleeping patterns if they are a common occurrence.
Nocturnal Cramp Causes and Risk Factors
Although experts don’t know what exactly causes muscle cramps, there are certain factors that are believed to increase your risk of getting nocturnal/resting cramps. It is believed that the position of your foot whilst sleeping can be a trigger for leg and foot cramps. When your foot is pointed in a downwards position, it shortens the calf muscle making it vulnerable to cramping. Shortening the muscle can also be caused by sitting improperly with your legs crossed.
Other causes of nocturnal/resting cramps include:
- Overexertion of your muscles
- Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces
- Lack of movement & flexibility
- Dehydration
- Nerve dysfunction
How to Prevent & Relieve Nocturnal Cramps
Try these simple tips to help prevent muscle cramps:
- Stay hydrated! Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day to keep your fluids up.
- Stretch your muscles – Focus on your foot, calves, & hamstrings during the day and before you go to bed.
- Move your body more frequently during the day and before bed to help loosen your muscles.
- Keep blankets and sheet loose are your feet so they don’t get pushed down.
To treat muscle cramps:
- Stretch the muscle that is cramping.
- Massage the muscle.
- Apply heat to the affected area – hot water bottle, hot towel, taking a hot bath.
- Spray CrampFix Rapid Mouth Spray in the mouth 4 times for almost instant relief.