Foot-specific causes:
Ill-fitting shoes, including tight or high-heeled shoes, can contribute to muscle fatigue and tension. Other factors include muscle fatigue, mineral deficiencies, dehydration, certain medications, illnesses, and pregnancy [10] [11] [12].
Treating muscle tension:
If you experience tight leg muscles while sleeping, here are some treatments to consider:
Gentle massage:
Massage the affected leg to help relax the muscles.
Stretching:
Lengthen the leg muscles by extending the leg and bending the foot towards the body.
Walking in heels:
Walking on heels activates and relaxes the leg muscles.
Warm compresses:
Apply warm compresses using a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Over-the-counter pain relievers:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, when you feel pain.
Understanding the root causes and adopting appropriate treatments can significantly relieve leg cramps during sleep.
