Did you know that many people have tried the wacky idea of using soap to relieve Restless Leg Syndrome? This fidgety affliction can be treated with medication, but many find that natural remedies or other treatment options, like use of soap, are just as effective (with no side effects).
Have you seen those commercials about restless legs?
Maybe you even have it? It is obvious that the pharmaceutical industry has taken hold of this distressing syndrome and sees dollar signs and a marketing slogan. BUT, I have heard that the possible side effects could be FAR worse than restless legs. Soap for rls symptoms is an easy remedy that YOU can try today!
My mom was reading up on it on the internet and found that Ivory Soap could be the key to getting rid of hers.
What. the. heck?
What is Restless Leg (RLS)?
Honestly, the verdict is still out. And it seems to be different than nightly leg cramps or a charley horse. A lot of people suffer from it, but the cause seems to be complex — and hard to pin down.
There are no studies or scientific evidence that show that any of the remedies in this article work. There ARE medications that people use, but they have hard side effects like dry mouth, brain fog, fatigue or weight gain.
Rates of RLS are twice as high in women, and can be as high as 3 times as high in pregnant women (which makes having a natural home remedy like soap important, as those women don’t want to take medications if they don’t have to).
Using Soap for Restless Leg
Does it make ANY sense? no (seriously guys, ZERO studies or scientific research on this one besides a TON of people recommending it online — check out my comments!) — but she happened to have a new bar of soap in her pantry. She unwrapped it (it seems like the jury’s out on if you actually need to unwrap it) and popped it between her mattress pad and her fitted sheet and somehow like dumbo with his feather, she no longer has restless leg at night. Soap remedy for the win! Just to be clear, liquid soap won’t work for middle of the night RLS.
**Think this is insane (just like I did) — check the comments!
Bar of soap in bed for restless leg
If you are in the mood to read more:
- This one is selling their own soap, but ivory soap seemed to work for my mom!
- More positive reviews.
- This one rates a bar of soap as the top remedy.
So, I got 3 bars of Ivory Soap for my little photo shoot and I read all the ingredients — it really makes NO sense. My mom says she can’t smell the scent of ivory soap, she has it tucked in a corner under the bottom sheet so she doesn’t feel it.
She said the first couple of nights she’d be on the “verge”of getting it — but then would remember her soap and it would stop.
It seems like a homeopathic remedy that is a good standby treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.
What kind of soap for RLS?
It looks like there’s evidence that any type of soap will work although I don’t know about the fragrance of the soap… but my mom has only tried Ivory Soap.
I have heard some people tout lavender-scented soap because of its soothing qualities if you like the smell of lavender. But, Ivory worked for my mom. Feel free to try another brand of soap, like irish spring or even soap chips.
However….
Hers came back harder when she had knee surgery…
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Other natural remedies for Restless Leg
Once my mom started having the issue, I started studying it more.
Things I have found that have helped others:
Magnesium supplements can often keep chemistry on your side to help your muscles stay calm, some people use it in a lotion on their legs.
Good news! Some people have found that a weighted blanket can help. It just helps your legs relax by pressure. I have seen a lot of things about the counter stimulation helping your fidgety legs.
Light stretching can help — keeping in mind that rigorous exercise before bed is NOT recommended, and can make the uncontrollable urge to move your legs worse.
Loosen up — I have seen some people say that un-tucking your bed sheets can help your legs have some movement (if your toes are forced to point down it can be problematic)
Chill out — some people have said that by changing the temperature helps (some say heated, some say cooled like cold compresses) it can help. I have a BedJet which I love to help relax me before bed! Check it out here.
A little quinine anyone? My mom has found tonic water to be helpful. Again, no studies — people don’t recommend it — but I saw it recommended again and again online, so I bought her some. And she said it helped, a LOT!
Doctors say that decreasing your alcohol, coffee and tobacco consumption can help with it as well!
Some people report that massage can help — especially when they concentrate on your leg area. Less helpful when you’ve just had surgery though.
I have also heard good things about essential oils for RLS, something like this.
Finally, it’s certainly a good idea to talk with your doctor about it if you’re finding it problematic. They can always order some tests to make sure your chemistry is alright.
Restless Legs vs Leg Cramps
It’s sort of a fine line as they are different problems (both are described as painful)… if nighttime leg cramps or muscle cramps are your issue, I’ve heard good things about this stuff.
Want more great health tips – don’t miss my family health tips
It’s crazy, right? Anyone tried it? Do you think it’s Dumbo and his feather “made” him fly — or is it more? I figure spending a buck on a bar of soap (which you could even just use if this experiment went awry) might be worth a try!
Ivory Soap for Restless Legs relief is the first of my Weird things that work series. Be sure to check out my health and wellness board on Pinterest!
Jamie says
My grandma told me about using ivory soap for restless leg syndrome and for Charlie horse cramps in your legs. I admit I thought she was getting a little senile. I have no explanation as to why it worked, but I tried it and it worked for me.
Hilary says
It’s so crazy that it works!
Mary says
I had RLS, it’s horrible. I used to take Requip for relief and will still on rare occasion. But, I didn’t like how deep I slept with it. I have a five year old and I want to be able to hear if she gets up. (Now, I deal with insomnia…grrr)
I’ve tried the soap trick and found that it works if you do it before the RLS really flares up. It does nothing for me once it starts. I think it’s the rubbing motion that helps.
I now use magnesium oil spray daily and only notice my RLS once a week or so and it’s usually bearable.
Also, weirdly enough, having *ahem* married fun helps RLS. Something about blood flow.
I am interested in knowing if anyone else who gets RLS also suffers from thyroid disorders. I do and find that when my thyroid is out of whack, so is my legs (and rest of body)
Hilary says
Hmm, I hope you get some answers!
Lee Ann Halvorson says
I have low thyroid, low cortisol, iron and low magnesium issues and on occasion have problems with my legs. It drives me crazy. I have never heard about the soap remedy, I will have to try it. Though not sure what to do with the soap. Does the soap just go under the sheet just anywhere? I read someone puts it in a sock, that makes sense. Also do you rub the soap on the sheets or your legs, would that help? I think if something works go for it, especially if it is cheap and doesn’t have any side effects.
Hilary says
My mom puts it under her fitted sheet. No rubbing, just stick it there. I hope it works!
Leslie says
I’ve been taking Magnesium Bisglycinate for a few years to help treat RLS (and boost my levels of the mineral) and it’s made a difference. It appears Magnesium (Sulfate) is an ingredient in Ivory, so maybe there’s a connection. Though some of the other brands mentioned here do not contain Magnesium, so [insert theory here]….
Hilary says
Yeah, I prefer to think it’s just magic. 🙂
MichaelAnne says
Im sooo trying this rite now!!! had shoulder surgery march 7th maybe had 3 half nights sleep since:( I have dial antibacterial. Irish spring and oil of olay shea butter. They are all 3 sleeping with me. tomorrow I’m going to health food store to get vitamin b12 liquid for under the tounge and the chews. Also spray maginusm for the bottom of my feet. I pray this works!!! also drinking camomile tea and made a rub with cedarwood oil lavender oil and coconut oil. Thanks soo much for the post!!!
Hilary says
I hope it helped!
Patty says
my mom had severe RLS for years she suffered, she tried all of the “remedies ” as well as the prescription drugs without relief! someone had suggested the soap and IT WORKED!! her RLS was so bad that she would have “jumpy” legs during the day also, on occasion it would be really bad so mom decided to put her soap in her sock! again no more jumpy legs!! amazing! who really needs an explanation ? it works, it’s cheap and harmless!?
Hilary says
Haha! Cheap and harmless! So true!
Jeannie says
Anyone with true RLS will tell you this is completely bogus.Even. meds don’t help.It’s frustrating to see this kind of misinformation. When you truly have a legit problem with RLS and would do anything for relief.
Hilary says
So, what do the people who this has helped have?
Lee Ann says
No one has said that this is a cure all remedy. If it helps someone, great. These people are just sharing their experience.
Becky Stahl says
Thank you Lee Ann! For those of you reading this, if you are suffering from RLS and can’t find relief, here is a brochure from RLS.org
http://www.rls.org/file/publication-loader/RLS-CAUSES-BROCHURE-9-4-15.pdf
I’m glad that this worked for your Mom, but I’m disappointed that people continue to post this and give people that suffer from this horrible disease false hope. I have had severe RLS since I was 17, and I am receiving care from a Neurologist, and he prescribed meds that help me live a quality life when I was 46. For the first time in my life, I was able to sit through my children’s concerts, watch a movie without going insane, and get a good, restful sleep after so many years of misery and discomfort.
I was desperate, and tried every so called cure known to man…including the Ivory Soap. Big surprise! None of them worked. I’m not saying everyone is just like me, but if you truly have Restless Leg Syndrome, this is not going to help. You need to see a Doctor and have them run some tests. You could have a serious underlying condition that is causing Restless Legs. In this age of education and the internet we need to be wise with the things we put out there. Someone could be suffering and not know where to go for help. If you think you have Restless Leg Syndrome, see a Doctor or visit RLS.org. You can read educated information about this disease.
Becky Stahl says
I meant to say thank you to Jeannie
Hilary says
I think there are a lot of causes for RLS. This, obviously, doesn’t fix all of them — but I know it does the trick for my mom and she was really close to going on medication. That’s not false hope, that’s truth. It’s certainly worth a try.
Sara says
I came upon this post and saw your comment and wanted to leave a word of caution.
There is no single cause of RLS, nor is there any single treatment. Pushing people to beg a neurologist to put them on a prescription for their legs is all fine and good, but only if the root cause for them in neurological in origin.
I have diagnosed RLS and it’s not even vaguely neurological in origin. I have low iron anemia and a mild clotting disorder. This usually isn’t an issue until I get something like a nosebleed or a bad menstrual period. The resulting drop in iron triggers my RLS. When that happens, my hematologist has me add an extra iron supplement daily, and has me up my intake of dark leafy greens like spinach. The end result is that as my blood becomes more iron rich, the RLS tapers off.
Diabetics often develop it as a result of peripheral neuropathy. People with increased estrogens have been known to develop it. Varicose veins, Parkinson’s, hyper & hypo thyroid problems, Lyme disease, smoking, excessive caffeine, Amyloidosis, and kidney disease have all been known to be the root cause for some people’s cases.
Some people are like me, it’s only when certain conditions are met that they’ll have an issue. Others, like you, have suffered from it daily.
I appreciate that you found a remedy that works for you, but pushing it as a one size fits all bandage, is a dangerous thing.
And by the way, for what it’s worth, soap under the fitted sheet was endorsed by Dr. Oz. He said that a combination of the gentle pressure of having it pushed against your limbs, coupled with the calming scent of most soaps, led to greater relaxation and a more deep and symptom free sleep.
Hilary says
I think it’s pretty clear this doesn’t look for everyone…. who knows why it works!
Suzanne says
I made a couple of earlier comments about RLS so this one is just an update. My two bars of soap (Palmolive brand), each tied up in a thick soft sock, are always in my bed and go with me on occasional travels. If I don’t have RLS one night, maybe it’s because those 2 bars are in the vicinity of my legs. If I do start to have RLS twitching, I place one of the bars under my ankle –that’s the region from which my twitching seems to originate — and the pressure really helps to stop the twitching, 98% of the time. I can’t be without my soap!
Hilary says
it’s so weird, but I’m glad to hear it works!
Fran says
In France, grandparents say that the soap has to be natural (i.e. savon de Marseille aka Castile soap) to work
I have known this for all my life
My problem is : heavy cat on my feet when I sleep. Any solution ? Soap does not lighten the cat
Hilary says
Haha, maybe going in a spaceship? 😀
Susan says
I’ve suffered from RLS for years and for some reason, it’s gotten worse since I was put on a blood thinner a few months ago. Not sure if that’s the reason, but it started getting worse right after and it happens almost every night now. Anyway, I found an over the counter all natural remedy called “Hyland’s Restful Legs” and it was only a little over $6 at my local store for 50 tablets. You dissolve a couple of them under your tongue and they work quickly. I’ve had really good luck with them and I don’t have to worry about any side effects.
If you suffer from leg cramps at night and not necessarily “restless leg syndrome”, and RN friend of mine suggested drinking tonic water as the quinine helps relieve the cramping and it works fast. I went through a period of time when I was getting leg cramps a lot at night and I tried this after she recommended it. Worked like a charm and contrary to what I’ve read other places, you do not need to drink a lot in order for it to work. My friend advised just a little would be sufficient so I would just take a few swallows and it worked every time.
As for the soap remedy for RLS, I plan to try that right away. If it works, it would be even easier than buying and using the tablets I’ve been taking. It can’t hurt to try! 🙂
Hilary says
My mother in law does tonic water. It’s all so crazy!
Sally Rucker says
Sounds like Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I’m going to try it.
Hilary says
It sure does, dosen’t it?
Jennifer G says
That is so crazy. I know I’m late to this conversation. I have had mild RLS (or at least what I would describe that way, anyway) and I have never tried soap. But what works for me is keeping my feet cool at night…so no sleeping with socks for me.
Tracy Scavone says
I have Fibromyalgia and RLS, so I suffer from leg cramps quite frequently. Someone recommended to me several years ago to place a bar of “white soap” between my mattress and sheet by my feet and to replace the soap about every 8 months. I was skeptical to say the least, but to my surprise it has worked. Personally I use Dove soap, I really don’t think the brand matters that much. I’m just thankful for something natural that helps!!!
Jane Camero says
Wow – I wish I had known about this years ago. I’ve had RLS for years and years. I didn’t even know what it was until I went for a sleep study – they said I never slept at all that night because every time I’d start to go to sleep my legs would jerk and I’d wake up. Yep – it happened all the time. I didn’t have sleep apnea, I had RLS I have been taking Pramipaxole for years and just looked up the side effects. It causes memory problems and vision problems both of which I seem to have – I thought it was just aging but maybe not – I’m quitting these meds now. I also was getting horrible leg cramps – so bad I would wake up crying. I started taking over the counter Magnesium tablets and haven’t had a leg cramp since. I think the Magnesium will probably replace the medication and I’ll try the soap thing too – if it helps that’s great – if not, well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’m so glad I read all the replies and your blog – so helpful. I had no idea about the side effects of that medication.
Debra Baker says
Well, out of desperation I went to Pinterest last night for help with RLS and read about the soap thing and, like the others I tried it because it sounded TOO CRAZY TO BE TRUE. And I almost flipped out when it worked within about two minutes if that long. I have a follow-up with my Doctor today and I am scared to tell him about this because he will probably call in the paddy wagon but I am going to try it out on my Husband because I just got the best nights sleep I’ve have in years. It’s totally crazy.
Hilary Erickson says
It is SO crazy! Glad it helped!
Jeannine says
I have had rls for years. I rub holes in my sheets from my legs never stopping. I toom requip for a long time but would throw up almost daily from it. I now take pramipexole dihydrochl….I’m almost to the highest dose it comes in and it’s starting to not work. I just put a bar of Ivory Soap under my sheet. I’m praying for relief tonight.
Hilary Erickson says
I hope it worked!
Gail says
My step mother told me twenty years ago about it. It worked for both of us. When my daughter got older,married. She complained of rls, I told her to throw a bar of soap under the sheet. She laughed but tried it and could not believe it. I kept forgetting recently to put the bar back in my sheets. Suffered horribly for weeks. Put the bar back two nights ago and found relief, now if I could only figure out what to do the rest of the day. Unfortunately I now have it 24 hours a day. My husband was kidding about tying a bar to each calf. Haha we all used Dove only because that’s what we had on hand.
Hilary Erickson says
I have heard of people who tuck a shaving or a tiny travel bar in their socks….
Julie Wood says
My sister has RLS and I have to get her to try this for it. I think this is a cheap way to help get the much needed relief that she needs. Thanks for posting this important information!
Hilary Erickson says
I hope it works for her!
Jenny says
My husband has RLS REALLY bad, we don’t use bar soap so my husband used a tiny cup added Irish Spring liquid soap near his C-pap and his RLS immediately stopped.
Hilary Erickson says
So crazy!