What Causes Muscle Cramps at Night?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
The cause of nighttime muscle cramps is often unclear. Muscle fatigue may contribute, while dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can sometimes cause cramps but are not present in most cases. These painful contractions affect up to 60% of adults and most commonly occur in the calf muscles during sleep. Possible contributing factors include prolonged inactivity, heavy muscle use, and some medications. A clinician or pharmacist can help determine whether a medication may be involved. Nighttime muscle cramps become more common with age, although the reasons are not fully understood. Nighttime cramps may be more common during pregnancy and in people with conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, although these conditions do not always directly cause the cramps.
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