I have had an issue with my tongue cramping whil sleeping. what causes this?

Doctor can evaluate: The tongue is a muscle, so it can cramp up like other muscles. Cramping can be due to the muscle itself, the nerves that control the muscle, or both. If there is overuse of, overstretching of, or some abnormal tissue in the tongue, it could spasm. If nerves are affected in the brain, the spinal cord, or on their way to the tongue, it may spasm. Meds or chem./hormonal imbalances may be causes, too.

Tongue cramping: Tongue cramping is usually muscular in nature but it is unusual for it to wake you with pain. Left side jaw pain can also be related to cardiac involvment and very often cardiac problems are most noticeable in early morning upon waking. A visit to your md would be recommended to rule out more serious problems before you see a dds for clenching and bruxism.