Question: I have trouble sleeping at night because my legs and feet cramp when I got to bed. What could be causing this, and what can I do about it?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Insomnia from nocturnal leg cramps should be investigated for chemical electrolyte deficiency or a thyroid disorder, as well as for vascular problems. Often nocturnal cramps relate to drug use, poor dietary habits, and or overzealous supplement use when no underlying medical disorder is present.
Your doctor can prescribe medications that can be used daily to control the cramps. But do not self-medicate with quinine or Internet-touted drugs that are not Food and Drug Administration-approved, as deaths have occurred on such regimens.
That’s why the FDA removed quinine from the over-the-counter consumer shelf.
© 2026 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.