Alcohol consumption is associated with nocturnal leg cramps

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is strongly linked to nocturnal leg cramps among patients over 60 years old according to a study published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine.

Chlo Delacour and his associates conducted a study to evaluate the link between nocturnal leg cramps and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in patients aged 60 years and above attending general practices. The study found that patients drinking alcohol at least once a week had an odds ratio of 6.5 of suffering from nocturnal leg cramps.

The researchers included the participants who were voluntary ambulatory patients aged 60 years and older consulting their family doctor. Cases (patients having cramps), were matched with controls (patients free from cramps) for age, sex, medical history, and medications known to trigger cramps. A standardized Food frequency questionnaire was used to asses alcohol consumption.

The study found that there was an association between global consumption of alcoholic beverages and nocturnal leg cramps. There was no linear relationship between an amount of alcohol consumed and odds of leg cramps. In light of the negative effect that nocturnal leg cramps have on patients' quality of sleep and quality of life, the authors call for additional research to evaluate the existence of a causal link and to determine the pathophysiology of leg cramps and alcohol's impact on them.

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The study concluded that an association was found between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps among patients aged 60 years and older attending general practices. The findings can be used to prevent leg cramps

As nocturnal leg cramps have a negative impact on the patients' quality of sleep and quality of life, the authors warranted for additional research to evaluate the existence of a causal link and to determine the pathophysiology of leg cramps and alcohol's impact on them.

For more reference log on to http://www.annfammed.org/content/16/4/296