Nothing can be more frustrating than lying awake at night, struggling to fall asleep. A poor night’s sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, groggy and unable to tackle the demands of the next day, which can be particularly challenging when juggling work and family responsibilities.

The situation is further exacerbated if you suffer from restless leg syndrome, characterised by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, often accompanied by unpleasant tingling, pulling or crawling sensations that make it impossible to unwind. However, a humble household item could be your saving grace, according to a sleep expert. Adeel Ul-Haq from Divan Beds has claimed that a bar of soap might hold the key to alleviating those fidgety legs. 

Although not backed by scientific evidence, anecdotal accounts from sufferers suggested that this trick may offer some relief. He said: “It may sound odd, but placing a bar of soap near your legs while you sleep can help some to reduce night time cramps and restless legs.

“While there haven’t been any scientific studies to suggest that this works, there is some evidence to suggest that magnesium supplementation may help restless leg syndrome.

“This may show why this hack could work as bars of soap contain magnesium, another theory is that the scent in the soap, especially lavender or eucalyptus soaps may have a mild calming effect.”

To try this solution, place an unwrapped bar of soap beneath your bottom sheet, near your feet. When it comes to combating restlessness, particularly cramps or restless legsyndrome, one often suggested remedy involves placing natural soap beneath your bedsheet, reports Surrey Live.

Opt for soap infused with essential oils and steer clear of those with synthetic fragrances. For effective placement, ensure the soap sits flat under the sheet where it is secure and won’t disrupt your sleep posture.

Adeel commented: “You also don’t want to position the soap on your skin, having it nearby is enough for those who find this effective. So next time you’re struggling to settle your legs, maybe reach for a bar of soap instead of your phone.”

Although this method may seem like something out of an old wives’ tale playbook, trying it out appears to be harmless. But if the soap trick falls short of providing relief, Adeel advised people to pay attention to overall sleep hygiene.

“Even with the soap in your bed, you should still focus on your sleep schedule. You should avoid caffeine late in the day and create a calming environment where you can relax,” he said. “If you are suffering from cramps, first check if you are getting enough hydration throughout the day, along with magnesium and potassium in your diet.”

Adeel adds a cautionary note, suggesting that individuals experiencing severe or frequent spasms should consult a GP to exclude any significant health concerns.

He said: “Even with the soap in your bed, you should still focus on your sleep schedule. You should avoid caffeine late in the day and create a calming environment where you can relax.

“If you are suffering from cramps, first check if you are getting enough hydration throughout the day, along with magnesium and potassium in your diet. If you have spasms that feel severe or happen often you should see a GP to rule out any serious issues.”