Have You Tried...

[3420]

About 8 months ago I was up not able to sleep due to legs, etc. Decided to go online to see if i could find information that would ease the symptoms so I could sleep. I read a comment that Ivory Soap works....well of course you can imagine my thoughts but I said what the hevk, nothing beats a failure but a try. ....

Guess what,it does work. I keep 2 bars under my mattress sheet. That night I was able to sleep over 6 hours for the first time in years. I herd Irish Spring soap (green bar) works but it didn't for me.... Try it...

[manbreak]

I tried it as well and it did seem to work my legs don't feel as bad as much as they did might try 2 bars its hard to believe this could work but as you say worth a try.........

[AnnaVic]

Read a theory on 180degreehealth.com that rls is connected to problems with cellular activity. One of the comments on the article refers to soap being negatively charged and this possibly explains how it may help. Worth a look.

[nightdancer in reply to AnnaVic]

That is theory all right. not trying to be argumentative here, but really check sources when you read something. Will have to check that web site out that you listed, but RLS is a neurologically based sleep disorder. I have a friend of 20 rs wh is a chemist an his first job ever was in soap factory. Speaking of "cellular" he has said for 2 decades that the soap molecules cannot penetrate your cells and travel to your brain. RLS is in our brains. he strongly believes in the placebo effect and there is nothing wrong with that, as Dr. Mark Buchfuhrer says, but chemically there is no science at all to back up the long suffering soap theory, which by the way, back 20 yrs ago I tried it because we had nothing in the early RLS internet days. Check out this web site, the treatment page and the good doctor have helped me for all this time. he is a researcher, practicing neurologist/sleep doc and pulmonologist and has co-authored several books with other experts in the field. rlshelp.org is his web site and please do look at the treatment page. Since 1996 it has been mine and many others' "bibles" for RLS. He does even cover the soap theory. 20 yrs ago, it was dial soap, then ivory then Irish Spring, the brand of soap that people say to try changes every year. There is nothing wrong with the placebo effect, certainly will not hurt you, and your sheets will smell good, at the very least. we always say whatever works for you as long as it is not dangerous.

[Cynthia2015 in reply to nightdancer]

I agree with you. The best thing that I did wad dunk chamomile tea at bed time and if I needed too repeat it mid sleep I would. Also noticed that and increase in daily sugar intake has a big effect on an increase in RLS or restless body syndrome symptoms. Ugh... Not fun... Some stuff on the internet is absolutely ridiculous. I came across a you tube video of some guy saying to try and talk to your legs and tell them a story. I don't share that theory of stupidity so be aware that there is all of bad advice out there. I will tell you though thyroid also plays a huge role. Check into thyroiditis/Hashimoto disease.

[Gerry2020]

Yes I know about the Soap. It didn't work for me though it has helped some of my friends....

[Hidden]

Soap... well, I will add that to the list. Amazing, but if it works for some, it's a cheap thing to try. Anything like that is always worth a shot.

[johannasuar]

Didn't work for me, I ended up with LOTS of soap. Lol

[nightdancer in reply to johannasuar]

A company actually sent me samples of "RLS bed soap". it is no different than an other lavender soap, it just burns me that people try and take advantage and make $$$ off of desperate people.

[Hidden]

Didnt work for me either and the soap thingy if it works is a placebo effect. But if it works for you then thats good. There is no scientific evidence to say soap works for RLS and as RLS is neurological so as you put the soap under your sheet then nothing is going to penetrate through the sheet through your skin all the way up to your brain. But like i have said if it works for you then thats good.

[3420 in reply to Hidden]

Elisse, just a thought, when u doing laundry you use detergent. Yes, it goes thru the rinse & spin cycle but there is always remnants left on the clothing, etc., As such soap has a scent and ingredients that go into the bedding....in fact, many people like Irish Spring as it had a pleasant scent and can be a room deodorizer.

[nightdancer in reply to 3420]

Well, then if the soap is left on our clothes after washing, it should work 24/7, and nothing works 24/7 for RLS and that is a fact.

[3420 in reply to nightdancer]

I'm only saying it works for me - nothing more nothing less. I join the board in hopes that I would be able to collaborate with other people who share our challenges so if I can give tips and ideas that will help that's wonderful and if I can receive the same that's great as well.

[nightdancer in reply to Hidden]

never worked for me, and agree with the placebo effect as Elisse does and also many RLS doctors. There is no reason it should work but it is cheap and not dangerous. RLS needs to be treated in the brain, it is neurologically based sleep disorder. I wish soap would work for more people, that would be the easy thing, for sure. But, if it helps you, then good.

[Kaarina Administrator]

Well said, Elisse and if it does not work you can always use the soap!

I tried it once in desperation and the first night it "worked" (placebo effect) but only the once.

Kaarina

[Windwalker]

I think the soap idea is a sure cure if the problem is Psychosomatic. the real cure is two buckeyes in your right front pocket and a copper bracelet around your left ankle. lol

[Spudellen]

That is an old theory that I tried years ago and it didn't work for me. I would say it would be excellent $$$ for the producers of Ivory soap but not sure if it would help those who suffer from RLS. All I can say is, whatever works for you, do it.