Doctors, neurologists, and physiologists have long been stumped by nighttime cramps. Referred to as "Nocturnal Cramps" this condition is exceedingly common in aging adults and athletes.1
They can be a slight nuisance or an excruciating condition.
It's important to understand that nocturnal leg cramps don't just reduce sleep quality — overall quality of life takes a hit. Sleep quality and quantity largely determine energy levels, cognitive performance, stress levels, body weight, and general well-being.
Keep reading to learn the top five reasons why those annoying, debilitating cramps won't go away:
Studies show around 1/3 of adults aged 60 or more experience nocturnal leg cramps.1 This number jumps to nearly one-half of people aged 80 years or more. Of those affected, nearly 40% experience nighttime episodes several days per week. Seniors, sedentary people, and endurance athletes are most commonly affected.
Unlike typical muscle cramps, the nocturnal variety are usually not caused by dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
In most cases, there are several variables causing this sleep-disrupting annoyance
Recent estimates show that up to 80% of adults are deficient in magnesium.4
This is due to several factors, including:
Anyone suffering from nocturnal leg cramps almost certainly has a magnesium deficiency.
But that isn't the only cause.
Nocturnal leg cramps surface when other key nutrient deficiencies and neuromuscular dysfunctions are present.
That's why, according to our clinical experience and placebo-controlled studies, magnesium supplementation alone doesn't always solve nighttime cramps and muscle spasms.
Besides magnesium, there are three other sleep nutrient deficiencies common in people who lose sleep to nocturnal leg cramps. These compounds are produced naturally in the body and can be taken as nutritional supplements:
1. Vitamin B6 (Pyrodoxine)
Studies have shown that poor sleepers have lower intake levels of Vitamin B6.12
Because B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is metabolized quickly, it should be taken immediately prior to bed for nocturnal leg cramps.
2. GABA & 5-HTP
These two naturally occurring amino acids support relaxation and healthy sleep habits.
Researchers from the study published in Behavior Brain Research (2016) concluded:
"Our available evidence suggests that the GABA/5-HTP mixture modulates both GABAergic and serotonergic signaling. Moreover, the sleep architecture can be controlled by the regulation of GABA receptor and GABA content with 5-HTP.” 15
3. Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound secreted by the pineal gland in the human body, commonly used in supplement form to reduce symptoms of “Jet Lag” and re-establish a disrupted circadian rhythm.
In clinical studies, melatonin supplements have clearly demonstrated positive effects on sleep quality with little to no side effects.16
This is the most important takeaway from this article: in order to solve nocturnal leg cramps, it's vital to re-establish a healthy sleep architecture.
Focusing on sleep health — not just the cramps — is key. The sleep nutrients we described above will help jump-start this process. But it takes a more holistic approach to make lasting changes.
This is where conventional approaches fall short. Just throwing one supplement or OTC remedy at the problem won't cut it.
In order to prevent and relieve nighttime cramps, all three objective must be met:
1. Correct key nutrient deficiencies with specific nutrients taken prior to bed.
2. Re-establish a healthy sleep architecture (circadian rhythm) to prevent frequent waking throughout the night.
3. Relax both muscles and the nervous system immediately prior to bed.
We always opt for physiological (exercise/stretching) methods and addressing lifestyle factors before moving on to any kind of pharmaceutical or natural supplement intervention.
But nocturnal leg cramps require a different approach.4
In our research, we identified eight natural compounds that help relax tense muscles, reverse nutrient deficiencies, and improve sleep quality.
Together, these nutrients effectively break the nocturnal cramp cycle and help re-establish a healthy sleep architecture.
Since there is no viable pharmaceutical or therapy treatment for nocturnal leg cramps — and other magnesium or cramp supplements don't work for this condition — we assembled the world's first natural muscle relaxation blend specifically designed to help overcome nighttime leg cramps for good.
It's called Mag R&R.
Mag R&R is manufactured in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) approved, FDA-inspected facility right here in the USA.
Since releasing Mag R&R, we've received thousands of emails, reviews, and thankyou notes from people who — after years of battling nighttime leg cramps — are finally sleeping through the night. Cramp-free.
Today, after seven years and over 250,000 bottles sold, Mag R&R is the #1 best-selling night cramps supplement in the world.
Trust, satisfaction, and now 2-day delivery keeps us coming back for Salt Wrap products. If your health is important to you their products promote optimal energy flexibility and mood. We’ve learned a tremendous amount. Their educational blog (and now book) it’s like having the quality of partnering available to professional athletes.
- Bob R.
Scientific References
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2. Daniells, Stephen, “Magnesium Sales to Surpass Calcium Sales by 2020?” Nutra Ingredients USA February 2016. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Markets/Magnesium-sales-to-surpass-calcium-sales-by-2020
3. Slutsky I, Abumaria N, Wu LJ, et al. “Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium.” Neuron. 2010 Jan 28;65(2):165-77
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12. Jurcău, Ramona; Jurcău, Ioana; Bodescu, Cristian, “Anxiety and salivary cortisol modulation in exercise induced stress, using a phytotherapic product containing Rhodiola Rosea.” Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport; Jul-Sep2012, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p213. http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/80194318/anxiety-salivary-cortisol-modulation-exercise-induced-stress-using-phytotherapic-product-containing-rhodiola-rosea
13. Noreen EE1, Buckley JG, Lewis SL, Brandauer J, Stuempfle KJ., “The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance.” J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Mar;27(3):839-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23443221
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