What Causes Leg Cramps?
8. Why Do Leg Cramps Usually Happen at Night?
Your nighttime routine may increase your risk of cramps in several ways. Sleeping with your toes extended and your legs slightly bent can cause leg cramps. Many adults don’t drink enough water at night, which can result in dehydration. Nighttime is when your body is at rest after exercise, so it’s a time when lactic acid can build up in your legs.
Finally, sticking your feet out from under your blankets causes your feet to cool down. Cold feet constrict the blood vessels, which decreases blood flow. This reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches your leg muscles and can precipitate a leg cramp.
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