How long does it take for the muscles in a dead body to relax?

After death, the muscles in a body typically begin to relax within a few minutes as blood circulation ceases. This process can take several hours to complete, leading to a state known as rigor mortis, where the muscles stiffen due to chemical changes. Rigor mortis generally sets in within 2 to 6 hours post-mortem and can last for 24 to 84 hours before the muscles ultimately relax again.