Can a Bar of Soap in Bed Cure Restless Legs Syndrome?

Can you really cure leg cramps or a sleep disorder such as restless legs syndrome (RLS) by placing a bar of soap in your bed? What was once considered an old wives' tale is being debated again in online forums.

This article examines the concept behind this home remedy and whether it is something that can actually help you sleep better. Alternative treatments for RLS and leg cramps are also explored.

Restless Legs Syndrome vs. Leg Cramps

There are some similarities and differences between these two sleep-disrupting conditions.

• RLS is a neurological condition associated with unpleasant sensations (creeping, tingling, pulling, etc.) in the legs, and an irresistible urge to move them to relieve these feelings. It occurs most often when you are lying down at night. If you move, it may go away briefly, especially if you get up and walk around.
• Leg cramps are sudden, painful spasms in your feet or legs. The cramps may ease up in a few seconds, but the pain can last much longer. They can usually be relieved by stretching the muscles or walking.
  

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome and Cramps

Leg cramps and RLS have different causes and risk factors.

What Causes RLS?

The cause of RLS is unknown. Often, RLS can develop without any risk factors.

Sometimes RLS occurs with other neurological disorders. It has been linked to a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves throughout your body. It's also associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

RLS can also be a problem during pregnancy. There's some evidence that, in pregnancy, RLS may be linked to lower amounts of the minerals iron, magnesium, and zinc.

RLS is associated with a lack of iron in the body. It may also be due to problems with a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine helps to control the way your body moves. Iron is essential for dopamine synthesis, which may explain why low iron states, like pregnancy, increase the risk of RLS.

Research also suggests RLS is linked with nerve damage in the legs from diabetes, kidney problems, certain medications, sleep disorders, and alcoholism.

What Causes Leg Cramps?

Leg cramps have different causes and they can increase as you get older. Leg cramps can happen if you are low on electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Electrolytes are minerals that are needed for various body functions, particularly nerve and muscle functions.

In general, severe electrolyte changes are rare and can cause life-threatening complications, like heart rhythm abnormalities. However, mild electrolyte imbalances are more common and can affect anyone. For example, if you're dehydrated or have over-exerted yourself physically, that could bring on a bout of leg cramps.

You may also experience frequent leg cramps if you have a condition that affects your fluid and electrolyte balance, such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney failure that requires dialysis.

Soap as a Possible Treatment for RLS and Cramps

Advocates say that something in the soap—magnesium, lavender, or even electrically charged ions—seeps into the skin and alters your body chemistry. Magnesium and lavender are popular additions to sleep aids, but there is no evidence that placing bars of soap at the foot of your bed will help relax your legs.

How Soap Is Used

Some say you should place soap at the foot of the bed. Others say it must be close to the location of the cramps. Under the sheet and inside a sock are two other suggestions. It isn't clear how soap in such different locations could have the same effect on the legs.

This treatment may be supported by tradition or anecdotal evidence, but there is little scientific research to back up the claim. In a small study involving 105 people with severe RLS, massage with lavender essential oil relieved RLS symptoms better than foot massage on its own. It's important to note that the lavender oil was massaged into the skin, not placed nearby.

Lack of Evidence

There haven't been any scientific studies done to test the effects of a bar of soap on symptoms of RLS or leg cramps. The gold standard for scientific research is a randomized controlled trial.

For example, researchers would test two similar groups with restless legs or leg cramps. Half the subjects would use a bar of soap and the other half would use a placebo (a fake treatment). In this case, half the group might use a soap-shaped piece of plastic.

Then, researchers would compile data on each group's symptoms and the outcomes would be compared. Ideally, the subjects and the researchers would be blinded, not knowing who used soap or the placebo. Without this type of trial, there is no evidence that this treatment is effective.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While there is no harm in placing soap in your bed, it's unlikely to bring you relief either. If your symptoms don't improve, speak with your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist about research-backed treatment options to help you get the rest you need.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Significant pain
• Worsening of symptoms over time
• Loss of focus or the ability to concentrate
• Inability to get a good night's sleep, or feeling exhausted
• Suspicion that your leg discomfort may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition

Other Treatments for RLS and Cramps

Your healthcare provider will want to treat any underlying conditions that may be causing your RLS or leg cramping, such as a mineral deficiency, before suggesting treatment options.

Treatments for RLS

Your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist may suggest:

• Maintaining good sleeping habits (sleep hygiene)
• Giving up alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
• Regular, moderate exercise (30 minutes/day)
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet to prevent deficiencies
  

Medications may also be suggested, including:

• Dopaminergic drugs: These medications increase dopamine and are also used to treat Parkinson's disease.
• Benzodiazepines: Medications such as Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) slow the central nervous system, resulting in a calming, sedating effect.
• Opioids: Medications including codeine and oxycodone are only used in severe cases when other drugs fail to provide relief.
• Anticonvulsants: Such as gabapentin and pregabalin may be recommended for those whose symptoms include pain, neuropathy, or both.
• Iron therapy: If an iron deficiency is present, it can be given intravenously (IV) or as a supplement.
  

Treatments for Leg Cramps

Dehydration or low electrolytes are common reasons for leg cramping. If either is the underlying cause, drinking water or electrolyte-infused beverages should be helpful.

If cramps are related to overexercising, easing up on your workout or exercising in a cooler environment may relieve cramping. Stretching, massage, and heat application can also treat and prevent cramping. Warming up before exercising can be preventative as well.

Magnesium supplements are often marketed as muscle cramp relievers however, they have not been definitively proven to alleviate leg cramps.

Currently, there are no medications specifically known to treat leg cramps.

Summary

It's been said that tucking a bar of soap under your sheets could help relieve the pain of leg cramps or the discomfort of restless legs syndrome.

There is no scientific evidence to support this home remedy. If you're dealing with either of these health conditions, it's a good idea to see a healthcare professional to identify the cause so you can find an effective treatment.