This Is How a Bar of Soap Can Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Matka Wariatka/ShutterstockDo nighttime leg cramps or chronic restless leg syndrome (RLS) keep you tossing and turning in bed? Nothing can be more frustrating than a poor night’s sleep. What’s worse, you have tried nearly everything to ease the pain; your room temperature follows sleep doctors’ advice for a better night’s sleep, and your bedtime routine is flawless. So, what’s the deal? If all else fails, placing a bar of soap underneath the sheets tonight might do the trick.

Yes, this sounds a little weird—but just hear us out. Apparently, a bar of soap releases the mineral magnesium while you sleep, which believers say will relieve nocturnal leg cramping. And for those who suffer from RLS, Dr. Mehmet Oz of The Dr. Oz Show recommends leaving a bar of lavender soap under the sheets overnight. The relaxing scent of lavender can ease your symptoms, he claims. Check out 8 more home remedies for restless leg syndrome.

If you do decide to test it out, you wouldn’t be alone. Around 42 percent of people swear by the nighttime soap method, according to a Twitter poll by The Doctors.

Very little research backs this home remedy up, though. And if you ask other experts, you might hear a different story. “If you are experiencing cramping, it’s important to look at your hydration first,” Kim Gladden, MD, told the Cleveland Health Clinic. “You want to make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.” Increasing your magnesium intake can also relieve leg cramps. Check out more vitamin mistakes you might not realize you’re making.

Bottom line? If you are at your wit’s end, it can’t hurt to stick a bar of soap underneath your sheets tonight. But it is always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if the problems persist. These little changes can help you sleep better in just one day, too.

[Sources: Medical Daily, Good Housekeeping, Mayo Clinic]