Night cramps are a surprisingly common yet deeply unsettling problem. They strike suddenly, often in the quiet of sleep, as involuntary muscle contractions that jolt people awake with stabbing pain. The spasm itself may last only seconds or a few minutes, but the lingering soreness and tightness can persist for hours, robbing people of rest and leaving them anxious about bedtime. For some, these cramps are rare and manageable, but for others, they become a nightly ordeal that greatly reduces quality of life. Almost everyone will experience one at some point, but certain groups are far more vulnerable because of age, health conditions, lifestyle habits, or even prescribed medications. Understanding these risk factors not only explains why cramps happen but also offers a pathway to managing and preventing them.
