Picture this:

You're laying in bed trying to sleep when you suddenly feel a faint ache in your legs. The more you focus on it, the worse it gets. Before you know it, you're dealing with full-on pain that keeps you up for hours.

Sound familiar?

Leg pain at night is surprisingly common. These sensations can ruin your ability to sleep, whether it's a stabbing pain or a slight tingling. But what's causing it?

Muscle Cramps

Cramps can cause shooting pain. It's usually temporary, but some people experience it so often that it becomes a nagging issue at night.

Cramps occur when your muscles become fatigued. Specific movements can trigger a cramp, making an innocent turn into a painful experience. Sometimes, the issue is a lack of activity and muscle use.

Either way, cramps are often a byproduct of dehydration. It doesn't matter whether you're a physically fit gym enthusiast or someone who spends all day at a computer. Dehydration and a lack of sodium in your fluids can cause cramps to creep up at night.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that researchers don't know much about. What causes it is a mystery. Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, the syndrome creates a strong urge to move your legs. Visit this website if you need restless leg syndrome.

It's often characterized as chronic tingling. You may resort to tapping your leg, tossing and turning uncontrollably, or walking around your bedroom.

Some researchers believe that damaged nerve cells and a brain dopamine reduction are to blame for RLS, but the jury is still out.

Inflammed Muscles and Tendons

If you recently over-exerted your legs, you may be dealing with inflammation. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury. It can cause pain and discomfort. At night, the issues are worse because of your body's biological repair processes.

There are many at-home methods to deal with muscle and tendon inflammation. But, the pain could indicate a worse underlying injury, so it's a good idea to seek medical attention if the pain persists.

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