How to Cure Night Cramps

Nighttime cramps can easily wake you up due to the pain they cause. These cramps, occurring most often in the calf muscle, are the result of muscular spasms. They can be caused by many different things, such as over-training, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Cramps can be stopped when they occur, but it's also important to take steps throughout the day to prevent their onset.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter analgesics
• Heating pad
• Quinine pills

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Instructions

Immediate Treatment

• 1

  Slowly stretch out the the cramped muscle. Hold the stretch for 2 to 3 seconds before releasing it. Repeat this two or three times. This loosens up the tight muscle.

• 2

  Massage the cramped muscle until the cramp goes away. Hold the affected area still with your four fingers and use the thumb to massage up and down it.

• 3

  Apply a heating pad or heat pack to the affected muscle for 5 to 10 minutes. This increases blood flow to the area, which may help prevent next day soreness.

• 4

  Take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your leg still hurts significantly after the cramp has subsided.

Prevention

• 5

  Drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day, at least 64 oz. -- but more if you're active. You should drink water before you feel thirsty. Drink an 8 oz. glass of water before bed. This will prevent nighttime cramps due to dehydration.

• 6

  Take in an adequate amount of salt and potassium each day. You need at least 1500 mg of salt and 2500 mg of potassium everyday. A deficiency in either of these minerals can cause muscular cramping.

• 7

  Stretch for at least 5 minutes before and after exercising. Stretching keeps the muscles loose, which makes them less likely to cramp later on.

• 8

  Ask your doctor about quinine pills if you get frequent nighttime cramps. These pills work by reducing nerve activity, which prevents cramps.