Night leg cramps happen when leg muscles suddenly tighten during sleep. They're also called nocturnal leg cramps. Night leg cramps usually involve calf muscles, although muscles in the feet or thighs might cramp as well. Stretching the tight muscle with force can relieve the pain.
March 02, 2023
- Winkelman JW. Nocturnal leg cramps. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022.
- Parasomnias. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/sleep-and-wakefulness-disorders/parasomnias?query=parasomnias. Accessed Nov. 3, 2022.
- Delacour C, et al. Association between physical activity and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60 years old: A case-control study. Scientific Reports. 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-59312-9.