Thigh Cramps in Bed

Muscle cramps might occur anytime and in any part of the body. Your back, arms and legs are common problem areas, where cramps may occur. This can cause intense pain and discomfort. A leg cramp caused due to pain in a leg muscle. A muscle spasm which occurs when a muscle contracts too hard, is a probable cause of muscle cramps. It usually occurs in the thighs, calf muscles, below or behind the knees. When the small muscles in your feet are affected, they can cause toe cramps at night, due to which your toes curl toward your heel. Thigh cramps in bed is a problem faced by many people. Women are at a higher risk of experiencing thigh cramps in early pregnancy. Thigh cramps in late pregnancy are also known to be common in most pregnant women. Here are some causes of thigh cramps at night.

Common Causes of Thigh Cramps in Bed

Cause of Thigh Cramps in Bed #1: One of the most common cause of thigh cramps in bed is known to be dehydration. Pregnant women are, especially, prone because if you drink less water during the day or before going to bed, it may lead to dehydration.

Cause of Thigh Cramps in Bed #2: Poor blood circulation, which is possible at night, is a common problem leading to thigh cramps and pain. Wrong posture, while sleeping can lead to improper blood circulation, causing nocturnal leg cramps.

Cause of Thigh Cramps in Bed #3: Overuse of thigh muscles due to activities during the day can also thigh cramps in bed. Heavy leg exercises or sports can cause overuse of muscles and muscle strain. Muscle strain is also a common cause, which might happen due to poor posture, while lifting objects, walking, sitting, or sleeping. Staying in the same position for a long period of time, is common, while we sleep, and can cause discomfort and muscle cramps at night.

Cause of Thigh Cramps in Bed #4: Certain medications or chronic health conditions can also be the cause of thigh cramps at night. Health conditions, like diabetes, pregnancy, high blood pressure, thyroid problem and spinal cord problems can cause thigh cramps. Birth control pills and other hormonal medications and high blood pressure medicines are other reasons that can cause thigh cramps in bed.

Treatment for Thigh Cramps in Bed

If you have certain chronic health conditions and are regularly experiencing leg cramp problems, then you must consult your doctor for the right thigh cramps treatment. If you were taking any medications, while you experienced this problem at night, you should visit your doctor to diagnose the cause of cramps. Your doctor might give you some muscle relaxants, to relieve this problem. Magnesium or calcium supplements are also helpful. Ask your doctor for the exact intake amount of these over-the-counter supplements.

Performing some stretching exercises will help relax the muscles and relieve the problem of strained muscles. Remember to be gentle, while you perform these exercises, so that you do not damage your muscles. Keep yourself warm, while you sleep, as cold muscles are prone to cramps. Using a bed sheet to cover yourself, will help keep your body warm. Maintain right posture while sleeping, sitting and walking, so that you do not strain your muscles.

Thigh cramps in bed are not serious, but might be a symptom of a major health condition. Thigh cramps in bed, once in while, can be ignored. But if these occur repeatedly, you must get yourself checked by a doctor. Taking precautions and following the doctor's instructions is essential, to ensure that thigh cramps do not disturb your sleep.