Cramp / Cramps / Cramping

I have done a search of the forum regarding cramps and have found some interesting info but I was wondering do any of you get calf muscle cramp during the night when you are asleep? I never get it when riding only during my sleeping hours. As you know it can be really crippling and ruins your nights sleep. I seem to remember an ex GF saying something about eating bananas?? Although I drink quite a lot of coffee I also drink a lot of water too. Had a recent check up at the docs and blood pressure, cholesterol, blood are all fine. I wonder if being a smoker has any bearing on it?

Potassium, magnesium and calcium are all salts and need to be balanced within your body. When people say "eat salt" blah they should be mentioning the fact that this isn't just table salt (sodium).. you need other salts/electrolytes. Sports drink and enough of it during intense exercise or hot weather helps.
Bananas are high in potassium I believe (and probably other minerals) so these are a good thing to eat during or post ride.
Stretching post ride will also help.
Coffee has no effect if you are a regular drinker. Your body adjusts its fluid balance around your normal diuretic intake. If you don't normally drink coffee and slam down a few espressos you might have to drink more to make up for the subsequent fluid loss.