Night cramps: why do they occur and how can you avoid them naturally?

Why do we get night cramps?
If you thought cramps were simply due to lack of exercise or advanced age, think again. Here are some commonly overlooked causes:

Insufficient hydration: Not drinking enough throughout the day alters the balance of essential minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium), which are essential for proper muscle relaxation.
A sedentary lifestyle: Spending the day sitting cross-legged or without moving promotes muscle stiffness. Over time, the muscles end up protesting!
Poorly prepared exercise: Working out without warming up or stretching leads to muscle fatigue, which can manifest at night.
Inappropriate sleeping positions: Sleeping with your feet facing down (like a ballerina) shortens the calf muscles… and can cause cramps at 3 a.m.
Age-related changes: After age 50, muscles gradually lose tone, which favors the onset of cramps.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women feel increased pressure on their legs, which can accentuate these muscle spasms.
Certain drug treatments, such as diuretics or beta-blockers, can alter the body’s mineral balance, sometimes causing cramps.
5 Natural Reflexes to Say Goodbye to Night Cramps
Good news: you can prevent these nighttime pains without drugs, simply by adopting good habits.