A good night’s sleep is essential to start the day with enthusiasm. Except that sometimes, our sleep is disturbed, and we may even feel an urgent need to constantly move our legs. In this case, we are talking about restless legs syndrome. It occurs mainly at night and thus affects the quality of sleep. However, there are tips that can help relieve its symptoms. Find out why you should put a bar of soap in your bed.
A bad night’s sleep negatively impacts our day and leads to fatigue that prevents us from being productive. Among the factors that disrupt our sleep, we can cite restless legs syndrome.
What is restless legs syndrome?
As explained in Doctissimo, restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a nervous system disorder that causes the person concerned to have an irresistible urge to move their legs. Moreover, it is even called “impatience” or “muscular impatience syndrome of awakening”.
What are the symptoms?
Restless legs syndrome occurs when falling asleep, when the body is in a state of immobility. We then feel sensations of discomfort in the lower limbs, especially the legs. This can result in tingling, pricking, itching, or even the feeling of receiving electric shocks. Hence the need to move the legs and stretch them, in order to relieve these unpleasant sensations.
When it takes more serious forms, RLS can cause insomnia and drowsiness during the day, but these forms are rarer.
Restless legs syndrome
What are the causes of this syndrome?
Genetics: The first cause that can be cited is genetic predisposition. A person is more likely to develop this syndrome if it is common in their family.
Diseases: Certain pathologies can cause restless legs syndrome, such as diabetes, kidney failure or neurological diseases.
Deficiencies: A lack of dopamine or a deficiency in vitamin B9 or iron, with or without anemia, can also cause restless legs syndrome.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women can develop this syndrome, especially during the last trimester.
Medications: Taking certain medications, including antidepressants or antipsychotics, is also a factor that promotes restless legs syndrome.
To relieve the symptoms of this syndrome and get a peaceful night’s sleep, there are certain tips such as massages, hot baths or using a bar of soap.
Putting a bar of soap under the sheets can relieve symptoms and help you sleep better. Proponents of this trick say that soap contains magnesium, which helps relax your legs. Some people even prefer lavender soap to boost the soothing effect and relieve their legs.
It should be noted that this trick was recommended by Dr. Mehmet Öz on his show The Dr. Oz Show, broadcast in the United States. It was even mentioned on the talk show The Doctors. In fact, Dr. Jim Sears conducted a poll on Twitter to measure the effectiveness of putting soap in bed. 42% of people reported using it successfully to relieve discomfort and cramps in their legs.
Please note that this tip can alleviate the symptoms of the syndrome, not cure it. The effectiveness of using soap is not scientifically proven, but is based solely on anecdotal evidence. So it is worth trying to judge.
Barres de savon
What other solutions can help relieve restless legs?
In addition to the bar of soap, you can try other tricks to relieve your legs. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, an internist and expert in restless legs syndrome, recommends taking a warm bath with two cups of Epsom salt. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is useful for relaxing muscles.
The doctor also advises favoring protein-rich foods before bed, and avoiding sugary foods in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Indeed, disturbances in blood sugar levels promote restless legs syndrome.
Note that restless legs syndrome should not be confused with nocturnal cramps. The latter are sudden, painful spasms that affect the legs or feet. The cramps subside after a few seconds, but the pain can last longer. Generally, stretching the legs is enough to relieve these cramps. Proper hydration is also helpful in combating muscle cramps.