Both Restless Leg Syndrome and Leg/foot cramps are symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.   I know that after walking in heels, my muscles spasm and cramp for hours afterwards, when I’m at rest and in bed.  They are so intense, that I am unable to sleep through them.  Increasing water intake, as well as taking a Magnesium supplement can help somewhat, but on a really bad night, nothing seems to work. 

Strangely enough (and without much of an explanation), after poking around the internet, as well as newspapers and magazines, one might find the suggestion to put a bar of soap under the bottom bed sheet, to relieve both RLS and leg cramps.  Seems a bit far fetched.  It turns out that this remedy inexplicably has helped many people.  For instance, my grandmother has been suffering from leg cramps for an extended period of time.  She hadn’t gotten a full night of sleep in years, due to having to get up every few hours, to walk around until the cramps subsided.  She continuously read about “the soap remedy” and thought it was just too ridiculous to try.  Eventually, she gave in (and decided she wouldn’t tell anyone, as she didn’t want anyone to think she was “losing it”).  She certainly didn’t believe it would help.  From that day on, she has slept through the night, every night, with but one night of very mild cramping.  I just learned about this and plan to try it myself.  

“The People’s Pharmacy” (a website), sells sets of three lavandar scented “bed soaps” for under $10.  These bars are long and flat, making it a bit easier to keep under the sheet without ruining the aesthetics of your bed.  Another product available are small shards of soap that are intended to be worn in socks, to prevent day time RLS and cramping.  Don’t fool yourself into believing that there’s no way this simple bit of advice won’t work for you, due to the severity of your symptoms.  Many who have experienced completely altered lifestyles due to the symptoms and lack of sleep, have been alleviated of their pain and discomfort almost entirely (and consistently).  

While this remedy may seem over the top, it’s worth trying if cramping or restless leg syndrome associated with Fibro are keeping you up at night.  For those with Fibromyalgia, a good night’s sleep is the absolute most important step toward beginning to feel better.  Nothing is more simple than placing a bar of soap underneath a fitted sheet.  If nothing else, you may wake up smelling a bit better than the norm.  A bar of Ivory soap (Ivory is a very gentle, non-irritating brand) can be purchased from any drug store (or even gas station) for well under a buck.  Assuming you aren’t allergic to the bar soap you choose, there are absolutely no possible side effects, unlike those of medications prescribed for the same symptoms.  

As an Experiment:
Place a bar of soap on your bedside table 
Wait until you come across a night when you are awoken by cramps or Restless Leg Syndrome 
Place the bar of soap underneath your fitted sheet… and see what your night turns out likeNext time you are experiencing RLS or cramping, do *not* use the soap method and see if you notice any difference. 

This experiment is best for those with only temperate cramping or Restless leg syndrome, as anyone with extreme  symptoms should immediately notice the difference.

Of course, this method isn’t guaranteed to work, and may not be the answer for everyone.  However, this strange  remedy has helped a staggering number of those who suffer from leg cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome.  How does it work? There’s no answer, just as there are few answers as to what might cause Restless Leg Syndrome.  Additionally, Magnesium supplements are thought to help both symptoms.    For cramping, remember to stay hydrated and stretch throughout the day.   

Success stories?  We’d love to share them within this blog!  Contact: info @ projectfibro dot com!