Say goodbye to NIGHT CRAMPS

Don’t let painful cramps ruin your rest

If you’ve ever been woken by a muscle cramp in your calf, foot or thigh in the middle of the night, you’ll know exactly how painful this experience can be. But why do muscle cramps occur and what can we do to avoid them?

WHAT CAUSES THEM?

‘Night muscle cramps are exactly that – muscle cramps that occur in the evening, usually once you are either lying in bed or resting for a period of time on the couch,’ nurse and naturopath Madeline Calfas says. ‘They can just randomly start when you least expect it.

‘Most commonly, night muscle cramps are due to low levels of nutrients that include magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron,’ Madeline says.

Another potential cause of cramps is muscle fatigue from activities such running or weight training.

Because our muscles need fluid to contract and relax, dehydration can be another common cause of night cramps.

In other cases, what’s causing cramps isn’t known. For this reason, it’s a good idea to always talk to your doctor, who can identify if there are any underlying issues.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of water. You may also like to consider using an electrolyte replacement, but avoid sports drinks as these are packed with sugar.

If you’re experiencing a cramp, gentle massage can help ease the pain. Moving about may also help alleviate symptoms, along with some gentle calf stretches to lengthen aching muscles.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet. Good dietary sources include leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, jacket potatoes and peanuts or peanut butter.