Soap for Restless Legs Syndrome?

[SCRN1]

I have recently heard several people say they have RLS and have tried sleeping with soap between the sheets, near their legs and that it works. Has anyone else heard this or know why it works? I don't have RLS myself but find this interesting.

[sister--*]

When I first read this in Dr. Gott's column in my daily newspaper I was irate. "How dare he condone this when there isn't a why or how to it! It will just keep people from seeking actual proven remedies."

Now, to have to "eat my hat." I have two bars under my bottom sheet on my own bed and what a relief I've found!!

Don't know how or why, but, it can work! Ahhhh, the bedding smells so sweet, too! LOL

Some think this works as it messages the legs as one sleeps and changes positions through the night, thus increasing blood flow.

[Jolie, BSN]

It's a longtime folk remedy for leg cramps as well. Can't explain why it works, but family members swear by it.

[cheryn]

Does any soap work or do you need a certain kind of soap? I have struggled for years with RLS and now that I am working, it has gotten worse.

[CHATSDALE]

very interesting, i have never had this but i have had pts who did and i remember once that a doc said he was frustrated trying to treat it and nothing seemed to work..

anyway he said he thought that it [rls] might be something akin to phantom limb

maybe it is the fragrance of the soap that helps??

[scizzerin]

Man, here I thought ole grandma was getting senile.... She does it and swears by it, but not for RLS, more for general aches & pains.

[SCRN1]

If it was the fragrance, I'd think lotion would help but people with RLS have said it doesn't. So, it's got to be something more.

As for what kind of soap, one person told me they use Dove. I don't know if other brands have helped.

very interesting, i have never had this but i have had pts who did and i remember once that a doc said he was frustrated trying to treat it and nothing seemed to work..

anyway he said he thought that it [rls] might be something akin to phantom limb

maybe it is the fragrance of the soap that helps??

[sabroza]

[sabroza]

RLS

Try 100mgs of potassium if severe take 200mgs at bedtime or early evening.

[Nursetastic]

I have RLS and I take Requip most nights but this intrigues me. What exactly do you do? Just put a couple of bars of soap between the fitted sheet and the mattress? Do you put them in a spot that will hit your calves when you roll over?

[Indy, LPN, LVN]

That is very interesting indeed, as the last patient I had with "the shakies" calmed right down after I bathed her, and that included foot/leg massage. Hm. Soap, eh. I'll be trying that if my patients are willing.

[RNKel, ASN, RN]

I have a friend who SWEARS by it.