Nighttime leg cramps

Most of the time, the cause of nighttime leg cramps is unknown. In general, they are likely due to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. The risk of nighttime leg cramps increases with age.

Causes

Most of the time, the cause of nighttime leg cramps is unknown. In general, they are likely due to muscle fatigue and nerve problems.

The risk of nighttime leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant women are also more likely to experience them.

Kidney failure, nerve damage from diabetes, and blood circulation problems are known to cause nighttime leg cramps. However, if you have any of these conditions, you probably already know it and may experience other symptoms in addition to nighttime leg cramps.

People taking medications that increase urine production may be more likely to experience nocturnal leg cramps, although it is unknown if there is a direct link.

Restless legs syndrome is sometimes confused with nocturnal leg cramps, but they are different conditions. The most common symptom of restless legs syndrome is the urge to move the legs when falling asleep. Restless legs syndrome is usually not painful, and symptoms last longer than nocturnal leg cramps.

These are other health problems that can sometimes be linked to nocturnal leg cramps:

-Acute kidney injury
-Addison’s disease
-Alcohol use disorder
-Anemia
-Chronic kidney disease
-Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
-Dehydration
-Dialysis
-High blood pressure (hypertension)
-Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), also called overactive thyroid.
-Hypoglycemia
-Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
-Lack of physical activity
-Medications, such as those used to treat blood pressure and high cholesterol, and birth control pills
-Muscle fatigue
-Parkinson’s disease
-Peripheral artery disease
-Peripheral neuropathy
-Pregnancy
-Spinal stenosis
-Type 1 diabetes
-Type 2 diabetes

When to see a doctor

For most people, nighttime leg cramps are just an annoyance, sometimes something that wakes them with a start. However, some people with these cramps may need to see a healthcare provider.

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Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following:

Severe cramps that persist.
Nighttime leg cramps after coming into contact with a toxin, such as lead.

Schedule an office visit if:

You are tired during the day because leg cramps disrupt your sleep.
You experience muscle wasting and weakness along with leg cramps.

Self-Care

To help prevent leg cramps at night, try the following: