These cramps most commonly affect the calf muscles but can also occur in the feet or thighs. The muscle tightens involuntarily and may remain painfully contracted for several seconds or even minutes. Even after the cramp subsides, soreness can linger for hours or sometimes days.
Medical experts say nighttime leg cramps are usually caused by sudden muscle contractions. While the exact reason they happen during sleep is not always clear, several common factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing them. Dehydration, muscle fatigue, prolonged sitting, and electrolyte imbalances are frequently associated with nighttime cramps.
