What Causes Leg Cramps Along With Cold Sensation While Sleeping In The Elderly?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 8 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : When sleeping at night, my mother, who is 97, wakes up feeling very cold and has leg cramps. It takes her a while to get out of bed. This is with numerous blankets on. She says the mattress is ice cold and causing this. Could this be an indication of poor circulation from not moving while asleep? A vitamin deficiency? She is on no medications - refuses to take anything except an occasionaly aspirin for a headache. Her blood pressure is okay except when she gets upset, then may go up to 150 or 160/ 120?(not sure of lower #) but then goes down when she calms down. She has some swelling in her feet and ankles but it goes down at night after being in bed. She has high cholesterol but refuses meds. Also has some paranoia which I am told is a form of dementia.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that her symptoms could be related to Restless Leg Syndrome.

I recommend consulting with neurologist for a careful physical exam.

A nerve conduction study and some blood lab tests are necessary (complete blood count for anemia, iron plasma levels for possible deficiency).

I would exclude peripheral arteriopathy, because symptoms occur during the night, in lying position (while in arteriopathy the pain is triggered by walking).

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar