Do you frequently experience nocturnal leg cramps? This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate a calcium deficiency; it may be indicative of a blocked blood vessel.Have you ever experienced a sudden leg cramp in the midst of a sound sleep? It is a common misconception that this phenomenon is indicative of calcium deficiency; however, it is plausible that the underlying cause may be a blockage of the blood vessels in the legs.
Why do my calves cramp when I fall asleep?
The proper functioning of the leg muscles is contingent on an adequate blood supply. Blood is responsible for delivering energy and oxygen to the muscles, while concurrently facilitating the removal of waste products generated by muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. This process is crucial for maintaining the optimal pH level within muscles, thereby ensuring the efficient contraction and relaxation of muscles.
During deep sleep, it is common to maintain a consistent sleeping position, which can result in prolonged compression of the leg veins. This can lead to impaired blood circulation, with a build-up of lactic acid in the local muscle tissue. This, in turn, can stimulate nerve endings, causing muscle excitability to increase abnormally, and potentially resulting in muscle spasms. In severe cases, this can lead to life-threatening deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.Additionally, when the body is exposed to a cold environment, the brain also regulates the blood vessels on the surface of the body through the nervous system to contract, causing poor blood circulation in the legs.
How to get quick relief when you get a calf cramp?
PART.1
Stretching Exercises for Calf Muscles
In the event of a calf cramp, it is recommended to perform a massage or to apply pressure to the area of the cramp with both hands, while stretching the foot in the direction of the body. Concurrently, the knee should be straightened, taking care to do so gradually. This procedure can be repeated several times.
PART.2
Adjust your sleeping position
Change your sleeping position or put a pillow under your feet to help return blood to your heart.
PART.3
Hot compress
A hot towel or hot water bag can be applied to the cramped calf area for 15-20 minutes to raise the temperature of the calf muscles and promote blood circulation.
Daily exposure to red light to improve circulation and prevent cramps
It is imperative to implement measures that proactively mitigate the occurrence of leg cramps and facilitate optimal blood circulation on a daily basis. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that red light can induce vasodilation through the release of vasoactive substances derived from endothelial cells. This process has been shown to enhance catalase activity within the mitochondria, thereby facilitating cellular metabolism and oxygen radical scavenging. Consequently, this results in improved microvascular circulation and a regulated oxidation-antioxidant balance.
The hypothesis that MERICAN health cabin can play a variety of biological roles, activate a variety of enzyme activities in the mitochondria, speed up and increase the synthesis of ATP, provide more energy for the body, increase blood oxygen saturation, thus promoting blood circulation in the lower limbs, reduce lactic acid generation, reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, is based on red light therapy.
Finally, although “leg cramps in the middle of the night” is a common phenomenon, it can also be considered an alarm from the body, prompting us to pay attention to our recent state of health. In instances where cramps are recurrent and unrelenting, it is advisable to seek medical intervention.