Waking up at night with leg pain can be scary and very uncomfortable. These sudden cramps, often in your calf or thigh, can feel like your muscles are tight or stuck. Many people experience this at some point in their lives, especially as they get older.
There are a few common reasons why leg cramps happen at night. One big reason is not getting enough important minerals like magnesium, potassium, or calcium. These help your muscles work properly, and if your body doesn’t have enough, it can cause cramping. Another reason could be dehydration. When you don’t drink enough water during the day, your muscles might get too dry and tight, leading to cramps.
Poor blood flow can also be a problem. If your legs aren’t getting good circulation, it can cause the muscles to cramp. Some medicines, like water pills or cholesterol drugs, list muscle cramps as a side effect too. If you’ve been exercising a lot or putting extra pressure on your legs without proper rest, that could also lead to cramping at night.
