The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by AHMET (Konya/Türkiye) on 01/07/2025
★★★★★
It is very useful to place 2-3 small hand soaps, known as hotel or travel type, under the sheets. I definitely recommend it. If the pain is severe, you can speed up the process by applying soap to your legs.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 12/11/2024 534 posts
Stop using liquid soap.
It's all hormones and pH. Things like liquid soap and shampoo can screw you up terribly and are so easily avoided, liquid soap doesn't even make any sense. Yet, many people bathe in it everyday. On their skin. Their largest organ.
Makes sleeping with a bar of soap down around your feet make sense. Of course, actually USING bar soap would make more sense but...people don't make much sense in an of themselves, these days.
It's why soap is supposed to be aged. The French Castile blocks I'm using now are over 10 years old. Or, rather, I've HAD them over 10 years. They were already properly aged when I got them. Quite luxurious. And that's utility soap. Not fancy hormone-wrecking soap so, they're kinda big to sleep with, LOL! But I suppose one could rub them on one's feet if one had to - like for leg cramps or PMS or something - if one has been out and about and stuck with nothing but liquid soap for some reason.
Kava Oil
Posted by Anon2 (Not the South) on 10/12/2024
Tannins, like in black tea, and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and peppers may be the cause. Try an "elimination diet".
Kava Oil
Posted by CynF (colorado) on 10/05/2024
★★★★★
Bar of soap never worked at all for me. What does work is Kava oil massaged into legs when they are tensing up. Also, PMR, done mindfully can help one pass the urges to move. Also try epsom salt baths. Hard to tell what aggravates the RLS in me, after over 20 years cannot figure out why one night I have it and one I don't. But these remedies I mentioned have worked for me.
Light Therapy
Posted by elisabeth (MT) on 08/03/2024
Are you talking about red lights?
Iron, Vitamin C
Posted by elisabeth (MT) on 08/02/2024
What kind of iron and how much are you taking?
Baking Soda
Posted by Cynthia (NS) on 07/16/2024
★★★★★
I found a blog from an MS patient with restless legs. He suggested making a slurry with baking soda and water and coating your legs. It is by far the best remedy. No more opioids to sleep. Lots of boxes of baking soda later, and I stand by this.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by elisabeth (Montana) on 06/05/2024
Any particular kind of soap?
Avoid Sugar
Posted by Michele (Los Angeles, California) on 04/13/2024
★★★★★
After decades, I finally found the solution to no longer have these sensations in my legs and to be able to sleep: eliminating sugar.
B-1
Posted by Roelof (Pretoria, South Africa) on 04/03/2024
As promised in my previous post on 02/10/2024, I wanted to provide an update. While I continue to use Vitamin B-1, there are still days when Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) bothers me. Around ten days ago, I began taking additional supplements in the morning: a Magnesium Chelate 100mg capsule, a combination capsule containing Vitamin D-3 (1000IU), Vitamin K-2 (10mcg), and Selenium (27.5mcg), and twice a day two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in a glass of water.
It is clear there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but this combination appears to alleviate my RLS symptoms. The challenge now lies in pinpointing which specific supplement or combination thereof is responsible for the improvement, especially since I'm still using prescription medication alongside these supplements.
While I could experiment by eliminating supplements one by one to determine their individual effects, I'm currently just grateful to experience relief and hesitant to disrupt what seems to be working.
B-1
Posted by Roelof (Pretoria, South Africa) on 02/10/2024
★★★★★
Vitamin B-1 is the best. I am a 78-year-old male blessed with good health, but over the past fifteen years, I have had serious trouble with restless legs. I do use prescription medicine, but despite that, I often find that the troublesome problem still bothers me when I want to sleep. I have tried a few of the remedies on this website, but none of them brought relief worth mentioning—although I must add that bicarbonate of soda does help. Then I came upon Sophie's contribution regarding Vitamin B-1. What a blessing that was. I take 100mg twice a day. It is still early days for me, but I cannot believe the calmness Vitamin B-1 has brought to my legs; it is as if the RLS has completely disappeared. I will follow up on this post when I have been using the Vitamin B-1 for a longer period.
I must add that over the years, I have found a few triggers of restless legs which I try to avoid. The most important ones being: coffee late in the day, sugar in any form, and alcohol.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Marshagail (South U.S.) on 01/13/2024
★★★★★
I've used & recommended bar soap under the fitted sheet for many years with Xcellent results! I've also rubbed dry or slightly damp bar soap on legs & left on b4 bed along with the soap bar under the sheet for particularly bothersome cases. It Absolutely Works & people are consistently Stunned that such a simple remedy is so effective & quick-acting. Thank U EC for steering me in that direction long ago👊
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Kshelia (ID) on 12/23/2023
★★★★★
Okay.... I have been suffering with Restless Leg Syndrome for about 8 years brought on by medication I am on, (at least that's when it started). I was actually looking for a natural treatment to help my husband with something and decided to look one last time for something to help me with my legs. (Haven't really slept much/well in 8 years because of it). I scrolled through the remedies (many of which I'd tried on my own), and saw this ridiculous soap thing... I thought what could it hurt? Oh my gosh!!! I placed a bar of Dove soap beneath the bottom fitted sheet located just below my feet. The first night I had just minor restlessness in only my foot! Fell asleep pretty fast. So the second night I used my feet to inch the soap up to between my feet, basically a bit higher between my ankles... it's been about two and a half weeks now, maybe three, with no restless leg syndrome! First time in 8 years!!! I am overjoyed!
I definitely recommend trying this. I mean, what do you have to lose? I still can't believe it myself but it actually worked for me. I don't know how and though I'm curious I really don't care. All I know is I am able to finally sleep and am so very grateful to this wonderful website and all of the gracious people who care enough to share their experiences.
B-1
Posted by Sophie (Bellevue) on 11/30/2023
★★★★★
My husband had the worst restless leg. We came across video that recommended B-1. We bought dissolvable tablets of B-1 it's also known as Thiamin. He taking it twice a day in the morning and at night . One pill is 100mg he placed it under his tongue and waited for it to dissolve. He began to notice that his restlessness was less and less until it went away altogether. It worked! I hope this information helps someone.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Pam E. (SouthWestern California) on 11/15/2023 165 posts
Removing the wrapper will likely allow the energies in the soap to be much more effective ...
Peppermint Oil
Posted by brad (Ontario) on 10/23/2023
★★★★★
I rub some peppermint oil on my legs and massage it in for a few minutes when I'm experiencing restless leg syndrome (urge to move feet and legs, uncomfortable sensations, pain and soreness) which can interfere with sleep as well.
I make the oil myself with any matter of carrier oil (olive, etc) some drops of peppermint, wintergreen and birch as they contain natural salicate acid similar to aspirin to neutralize pain. I also add some drops of frankencense to bring on relaxation and alleviate anxiety.
Baking Soda
Posted by Christine (York PA) on 09/10/2023
I am updating on my post from last evening. After I went to bed within an hour the terrible symptoms of RLS came on with a vengeance. I was hoping the baking soda would work. I must admit I had a significant sugar intake early last evening; no, not from a dessert, but had pork barbecue that I purchased at a farmer's market which tasted sweet. I looked at the label this morning it was made with corn syrup AND sugar. This is a huge issue with me. Our society is obsessed with sugar. I do not want sugar in real food. I make most of what I eat in my kitchen. Long story short, I put ice packs on my calves and took 3 different meds. After suffering for 5 hours I finally slept for a few hours. Good luck to everyone.
Baking Soda
Posted by Christine (York PA) on 09/09/2023
★★★★★
I have suffered with RLS for years. I have tried magnesium supplement which does not help. I have also tried tonic water and soaking my feet in warm water with Epsom salts. This helped short term. I was then prescribed ropinerole which was suboptimal. Was then switched to Mirapex which did the trick in the beginning but came with a significant weight gain. I am at the point where Mirapex actually perpetuates the symptoms. In addition, I have fibromyalgia. Some nights I become so frustrated I am in tears. I found this forum this evening as I was once again hoping to find an answer to the torment of RLS.
One hour ago I mixed the baking soda with water and although the taste was unpleasant I have to say my left leg which was driving me crazy has completely calmed down within approximately 15 minutes. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. I am hoping this provides the help I need. God knows we need an answer.
RLS Link to Arthritis
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/15/2023
★★★★★
But among arthritis patients, restless leg syndrome is much more common: Research published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that restless leg syndrome occurred in about 28 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and about 24 percent of patient with osteoarthritis — more than double the prevalence of RLS in the general population.
I had RLS for over 40 years and this is what I have concluded:
I have concluded most RLS is related to arthritis.
Arthritis is a systemic infection.
The first remedy that worked to mitigate it was MAGNESIUM.
After that stopped working, ANTIOXIDANTS worked a little.
This meant the infection was getting worse.
I developed RA over 10 years ago. I cured it in one month with BORAX.
I developed osteoarthritis. I had to resort to MINOCYCLINE.
I use bromelain to address any biofilm and resistance issues.
It was only after using the minocycline antibiotic that I noticed the connection.
If you don't have arthritis now, you will likely develop it as you age.
I would try an ionic boron solution to see if that helps you.
or minocycline (you need a quality one).
Hope this helps someone.
Poppy Seeds
Posted by Julie (Florida) on 06/05/2023
This post explains how
unlike beer the risk is with poppyseed. It's one thing to be ignorant, it's another to read and not comprehend--worse yet to brush aside --for others--an important caution.
This post did not describe a slippery slope but--in detail, and with humility-- a very well concealed pit.
it is precisely NOT like with beer making one "a raging alcoholic homeless and roaming the streets with cheap wine in a brown paper bag"
The scenario--as explained is the OPPOSITE of highly unlikely.
They explain how, with poppyseed--UNLIKE most everything else-APPARENT moderation MAY NOT AT ALL be what it seems.
I, personally, am super grateful for the bravery and detail of this contributor, and I hope no others will be discouraged from explaining their stories here.
Weighted Blanket
Posted by Sunnydays (California ) on 08/28/2022
★★★★★
My physical therapist talked to me about trying a weighted blanket which increases serotonin levels, calms the body and calms the nervous system and for many stops restless legs syndrome. I ordered a 20 lb weighted blanket ( the weight needed is based on a persons body weight) is basically a heavy blanket that goes over the bed. While we waited for our weighted blankets arrival. I added few more cotton blankets to the bed, and it worked. The restless leg disappeared and I began having much more deeper restful sleep. Once the weighted blanket arrived, it worked just as well. I hope this helps someone.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by TBizz (Arizona) on 08/11/2022
★★★★★
The bar of soap most definitely works and is not a myth! Just be sure the soap is NOT a product of Dial.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Susan (Chapin, SC) on 07/20/2022
If that's the best you have got, we are in the boat-all of us-without a paddle. I have yet to try the baking soda, although I Will. I have always thought RLS was something that my body lacked, as I thought I was the only one who suffered from this! Bar of soap is not a cure. I promise.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Lana (British Columbia) on 03/30/2021
★★★★★
Bar of soap for RLS
I was searching around 2 or 4 am for something to help me.. the sensations were in my legs and my hands. I realized it was intense probably because I ate a bunch of brown sugar syrup earlier [craving] So won't do that again. Grabbed a bit of cashew as I was hungry...and grabbed a bar of soap. Incredible that it worked!! I noticed some on the thread put this to "placebo" affect which I find ridiculous. My whole body was going nuts and this put an end to it immediately. Had no idea if this would work or not but pretty grateful I have a go to now. Thanks Bar Soap!! [ It was just some bulk bar I get from the bulk store..maybe primrose or something which probably makes no difference at all.]
Mustard
Posted by Julie J. (Phoenix, AZ) on 05/08/2020
★★★★★
A teaspoon or 2 of yellow mustard helps my RLS. Something about the turmeric helps!!
Calcium Lactate
Posted by Niecie F. (California) on 04/26/2020
★★★★★
My RLS has diminished about 95 percent since taking calcium.
I mix 1 tablespoon of Standard Process calcium lactate powder in my evening kefir drink. Standard Process also carries it in tablet form in which you would take six per day. It is my understanding that calcium lactate is the most absorbable form of calcium and I would only recommend taking this form from Standard Process.
I also take Dr. Berg's electrolyte powder and extra magnesium. I also used to get severe toe and foot cramps. With taking these supplements, all cramps are gone too.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by legalmumbojumo (Minneapolis) on 02/19/2020
★☆☆☆☆
Thank you for all the advice on RLS. I ate a banana earlier b/c I was hungry. I didn't know about it helping for rls. I have a magnesium spray that I am going to try in a few mins.
The bar of soap is a total myth and ACV is not that great for you as many people seem to think. Very acidic. I think it can burn away tissues in your throat and stomach. Anyway, my rls comes and goes and lately it has been so bad that I feel it in my arms down to my fingers and my legs down to my toes. Walking helps, but it just comes back. I'm going to try the tonic water too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Scott (Clear Brook, VA) on 10/06/2019
★★★★★
I have had bouts with RLS for many years now. I'm a 45 YO male, eat healthy, exercise often, and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Once in a while, I would feel the creeping in of RLS symptoms.
Somebody told me to drink 16 oz. of water before going to bed, especially if you have been drinking alcohol prior to sleep. Hydration seems to help tremendously.
I also take a gulp of ACV every night before bed. Exercise is key, ACV is good for so many things, including this, and stay hydrated. Haven't tried the soap, but haven't really had RLS since staying committed to hydration and taking my ACV each night before bed. I also swig a little in the morning. Don't forget to gargle with some hydrogen peroxide now and then:). It's very good for you!
Quinine
Posted by Holly (United States) on 08/09/2019
★★★★★
Soap etc didn't work for my RLS, but drinking 6-8 ounces of tonic water does work. May have read it on EC but been doing it so long I forget. I buy diet tonic water with "real quinine" listed in the ingredients. Good luck and sleep tight!
