Fluid balance is important for normal muscle function.
Dehydration can occur after heavy sweating, exercise, hot weather, illness, or simply not drinking enough throughout the day. Severe fluid or electrolyte disturbances can affect muscle function.
However, it is worth correcting a common misconception: **nighttime leg cramps are not always caused by dehydration or a lack of magnesium or potassium**.
Drinking enormous amounts of water or taking supplements without knowing the cause is therefore unlikely to be the right solution for everyone.
## 3. Age Can Make Cramps More Common
Nighttime leg
