When people think about blocked arteries, they usually picture chest pain or heart attacks. But circulation problems don’t only affect the heart. Blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs — a condition commonly known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) — can cause noticeable symptoms, especially at night when the body is at rest.
If you’ve been feeling unusual discomfort in your legs or feet after lying down, your body may be trying to warn you. Here are the key nighttime symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Leg or Foot Pain That Worsens at Night
One of the most common warning signs of blocked arteries in the legs is pain that gets worse when you lie down. This happens because gravity is no longer helping blood flow down to your feet.
You may notice:
- Aching, cramping, or burning pain in the calves, feet, or toes
- Pain that wakes you from sleep
- Relief when you hang your legs off the side of the bed or stand up
This type of discomfort is sometimes called “rest pain” and can signal reduced blood flow.