Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night from a charley horse? There are many who do. Nighttime leg cramps, sometimes called charley horses, are quite common, especially in those over 60 and women. This sudden and painful tightening of the muscle usually occurs in calves, feet, and thighs. They are generally harmless but can last up to 10 minutes and leave you sore afterwards.

What Causes Nighttime Leg Cramps?

Nighttime leg cramps have no definite known source. There are a range of everyday things that are thought to be possible causes such as dehydration, having poor posture, and overusing or underusing the leg muscles.

How Can I Prevent Nighttime Leg Cramps?

Taking a brief walk or stretching before bed is thought to help keep leg cramps away while you sleep.

Can Hydration Help?

Prevent dehydration, and possibly leg cramps, by drinking eight glasses of water a day and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

Additionally, drinking an ounce of pickle juice before bed is a strange but popular cramp remedy. Some scientists believe that it might simulate specific nerve channels in the mouth and keep muscles from becoming overexcited.

What Can I Do for Immediate Relief?

When experiencing  a cramp, stretching or massaging the muscle may ease the pain. It helps relax the area that is spasming.

Standing up and putting your weight on the leg with the cramp has also been known to help relieve the pain.

What Over-the-Counter Solutions Exist?

When nighttime leg cramps occur, there is Arnicare Leg Cramps PM Meltaway Tablets. This unique formula combines the power of Arnica, passionflower, and other pure active ingredients to target nighttime leg cramps in the legs, thighs, calves, feet, and toes.* These meltaway tablets are easy to take at bedtime and provide relief to help you fall back asleep.

Nighttime leg cramps are painful and unpredictable. Taking steps to prevent them and having the right supplies and homeopathic medicines handy for relief can help you get the sleep you deserve.

For more homeopathic medicines that can help with leg cramps and sleep troubles, use the Boiron Medicine Finder.