There’s nothing quite like being jolted awake by a sudden, vice-like cramp in your calf or foot.
The pain hits fast. Your muscle knots up. You can’t move until it releases.
Welcome to the world of nocturnal leg cramps — involuntary muscle spasms that strike during rest, often in the lower legs or feet.
While occasional night cramps are common and usually harmless, some people are far more likely to experience them — and more frequently.
Let’s explore who is most at risk, why it happens, and what you can do to find relief and protect your sleep.
🔍 What Are Night Cramps?
Nighttime leg cramps are:
- Sudden, painful contractions in the calf, thigh, or foot
- Lasting from seconds to minutes
- Common in adults over 50 — but can affect younger people too
âś… Unlike restless legs syndrome (RLS), cramps involve intense, visible muscle tightening.
They’re not dangerous — but they are disruptive.
And if they happen often, they may signal an underlying issue worth addressing.
🎯 Who Is Most at Risk?
Research shows these groups are more likely to experience frequent night cramps:
