Leg Cramps

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In some people, the calf and other leg muscles go into spasm while they are sleeping — causing them to wake during the night.

Though it may help (though painful) to walk the cramps off, they disrupt sleep and prevention is a better answer.

Nutritional deficiencies, tight calf muscles or cold feet can all contribute to night time leg cramps.

Therapies & Advice
- Stretch
  
  Stretch your calf muscles before you go to sleep. This can be done by pulling your toes towards you when you’re sitting on your bed.
- Keep Your Feet Warm
  
  Wearing socks at night can also help because cold feet will sometimes be a trigger.
- "Odd" Bar of Soap Trick
  
  Interestingly, several readers of Dr. Peter Gott’s medical column have noted that leaving a bar of soap under their bed sheet stopped their leg cramps.
  
  It seems odd, but it is cheap, safe, and easy to try — and has been working for folks! (I have no idea why it works.)
Recommended Supplements
- Potassium
  
  Supplement with potassium. This can be done by prescription or by eating a banana and/or drinking 12 to 16 oz (360-480 cc) of V8 or tomato juice daily.
- Calcium
  
  Take calcium 500 mg at bedtime. It must contain magnesium and vitamin D in the calcium tablet.
- Magnesium
  
  Take magnesium 200 mg plus B complex (or simply add a multi-nutrient powder for overall nutritional support).
Medications
- Quinine
  
  Although the FDA recommends against its use, taking a Quinine tablet 200 to 300 mg before bedtime can help in severe and refractory cases.