Charlie Horses Are Ruining My Sleep! Help!?

Question

I' about to go to bed now. But I have A VERY SERIOUS Charlie Horse Problem. I CONSTANTLY get Charlie Horses while I'm sleeping. Last night I had four! Yes FOUR! I mean these things hurt so bad I was banging on my piano yelling: "Help Me God!" Try having that experience four times during the night.

I've had this Charlie Horse problem for the past year, and god dammit they hurt so damn much. I think they probably hurt more than a gun shot! Yes, and I'm really serious!

I'm very tired right now and I would like to go to sleep. And I'm tired because of last night. What can I do to prevent these Charlie Horses in the night!?

Answer 1

I quick way to prevent them, once in a while, is just a little pinch of salt in your mouth before you go to sleep. This can help balance your electrolytes for the time being. You should check with your doc about your potassium/electrolyte levels, also try eating a banana a day and drinking more water. If you do get one, try massaging it (I know that can be difficult with so much pain) also try wiggling your toes, it keeps the muscles moving and preventing them from cramping all the way. You could try sleeping on your stomach. I've never gotten a cramp when I do that, and if I feel one coming on, I just roll over and the feeling goes away. Good luck.

Answer 2

You may have a deficiency of potassium, try drinking some oj or have a banana. Also, this sounds really weird but a bar of soap such as Ivory, under your sheet by your legs may help. The People's Pharmacy, a syndicated newspaper column has reported that many people benefit from this. My mom has found it useful for restless leg syndrome (she uses Irish Spring)

Answer 3

I got charlie horses very bad when i was in high school , and again when I was pregnant. They were the worst at night, my doctor had me eat 2 bananas a day one in the morning and one at about supper time, it was amazing how that actually worked!! your body is probably deficient in potassium.

Answer 4

There are lots of possible causes as to why you experiance there charlie horses it could be build up of lactic acid, small areas of muscle damage,Loss of potassium or sodium; insufficient intake of calcium.

Vitamin B-complex may help. Quinine is also helpful but has side effects. Tonic water is a good source of quinine..Dehydration is a major cause of muscle spasms. Drink plenty of caffiene free and alcohol free liquids.

Answer 5

I have the same problem. I find a banana a day stops the problem. Bananas are high in potassium, which is the key ingredient. Potassium tablets are also available in most supermarkets and drugstores.

Answer 6

Everybody's advice on potassium is very sound. Also, try "Knittin's" idea--put a bar of soap under your fitted sheet, down in the area of your legs. Don't know why, but this really does seem to work, don't know why--perhaps it provides a sort of massage?

Answer 7

Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration can cause them. Also have your doctor check your Potassium levels. Low levels of this mineral can cause muscle cramps/foot cramps.

Answer 8

drink plenty of water atleast a gallon a day and try some extra potassium in your diet

Answer 9

try more potassium/more bananas.charlie horses can only be walked out but its not always the answer.you may want to speak with your dr,

Answer 10

I suggest THERAPEUDIC MASSAGE.
:::Simply rub the inside of your palm with the index finger of your opposing hand.
The circular friction on your palm will help calm you....to sleep.