HOW CAN YOU PREVENT NIGHT CRAMPS?? > Do you ever go to sleep in your cozy bed after a hard day and > wake up with unexpected and painful leg cramps? This > phenomenon is called Nocturnal Leg Cramps and Dr. Lisa Shives, from the Northshore Sleep > Medicine in Illinois, says its actually a very normal and common thing. > Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions that occur > during the night or during times of rest. The cramping sensation may > last a few seconds or minutes, but the pain from the cramps may linger for a much > longer period. Nocturnal leg camps tend to happen to middle-aged or > older populations, but people of any age can have them. > The exact cause of nocturnal leg cramps is not known. Some cases > can occur without a triggering event, while others may be linked to > prolonged sitting, dehydration or structural disorders. Research shows that about one > third of the population above the age of 60 suffers from these cramps, with 6% reporting that it happens every night. > Here are some of the things that may cause this > painful problem according to Dr. Shives: > Medical conditions such as blood disease, diabetes, and muscle disorders. > Changes in the hormone state due to pregnancy and hormone pills. > A lack of calcium or a low ability to retain it in the body due to low levels of vitamin D. > Weak and loose muscles that don’t move during the day are more likely > to cramp at night. > Electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration and > not getting enough potassium and magnesium. > What can you do about it? > * Start by eating foods to have more potassium such as nuts, avocados, almonds and potatoes. > Many people say that eating a banana before going to sleep prevents the cramps and the hard pains. > * Hot salt baths with Epsom salt for your feet will help relax your muscles and blood pressure. > Get more exercises for your legs like evening walks and do some stretching before you go to sleep. > > * Consider taking food supplements high on vitamin D, potassium and magnesium. > If none of these work and you still suffer from night cramps nearly every > day then you should go see your doctor.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:23:08 +0000
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