Ivory Soap & Restless Leg Syndrome

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes sensations in the legs and can disturb sleep. Some people are treating this disorder themselves by slipping a bar of Ivory soap inside their bed sheets.

Causes of RLS

• The causes of RLS are unknown, though about half the cases occur in families suggesting a genetic trait, according to NINDS. Researchers have also linked RLS to other factors that include, but are not limited to, anemia, diabetes, pregnancy and some prescription medications.

Ivory Soap Connection

• There are many accepted medical treatments for RLS. However, one unusual treatment is employed by seniors throughout the country. According to Patty of Grandmas-wisdom.com, placing a bar of Ivory soap inside the bed sheets in the vicinity of the legs seems to deter the symptoms of RLS.

Patient Insight

• Mrs. Jeanne Beggy and friends in southwestern Pennsylvania have used Ivory soap to treat RLS for more than a decade. None of these women recalls where the idea came from, but each swears by it. Testimonies to the effectiveness of this remedy are on Internet discussion boards.

Manufacturer Insight

• To sleep perchance to dream

  An Ivory representative, asked about the RLS treatment, wrote, "People often tell us about the unusual uses they've found for [our products]... even though we can't encourage this type of product use. ... Our product will do what we designed it to do. These are the only uses we can knowledgeably recommend."

Expert Insight

• RLS and its symptoms can indicate other serious conditions. Persons who believe they suffer from these symptoms are encouraged to seek the advice of a physician, whether they use the Ivory soap method or not.