AT LEAST one in four adults are bothered by some degree of leg cramping at night and in as much as 6% of the population these nocturnal cramps occur frequently and are severe.They disturb sleep and can cause a considerable amount of distress and discomfort, significantly impacting on the quality of life of those affected.
Risk factors for night cramps include increasing age, pregnancy, dehydration, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney damage, low levels of various blood salts (calcium, magnesium and potassium), alcohol and certain medications (including statins, lithium, salbutamol and steroids). One study suggested that nearly half of people on long-term treatment for night cramps were also taking a medication known to cause leg cramps!