douglas county hospital Archives | Carson Tahoe Health

What Is Causing My Night Muscle Cramps?

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve had a long day and want nothing more than to get into bed, you lay down, are just about asleep and BOOM- leg cramp! If you have suffered this before and wondered why, we’ve asked Carson Tahoe’s Dr. David Eisenhauer to help you figure it out!   What are muscle cramps? Muscle cramps are strong, painful contractions or tightening of a muscle that comes on suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. Nighttime leg cramps are usually sudden spasms, or tightening of the muscles specifically in the calf. They are also common in the thigh or foot and occur just as you are falling asleep or waking up.   What …