Page 1 of 1

Bar of soap in bed

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 8:30 pm
by Eternityroad
I just read an article and saw a video that touts the use of a bar of soap in the bed to relieve the symptoms of RLS. It has someting to do with the release of ions. I have had RLS for eight years and have used Lortab (2-1/2 tabs /day of 7.5/325) with great success, but if the bar of soap method is not "myth" I would be happy to give it a shot. BTW aren't there devices that release ions into the air? My knowledge in this area is scant. But I seem to recall something about ionizers.

Thanx for input,

Ken

Re: Bar of soap in bed

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:03 pm
by Rustsmith
Ken, I do not know of any scientific studies to disprove the idea of the bar of soap (some claim it has to be Ivory Soap) to treat RLS. But there is a strong placebo effect to the treatment of RLS (especially the milder cases), so this is something that if your believe that it is going to work, then it probably will. That puts the soap under the sheet idea into the same category as copper bracelets and magnets. You will find lots of people who swear they work, but never any proof that it isn't just the placebo effect.
As for releasing ions into the air, that is simply an high tech sounding explanation that is used to impress those who do not understand chemistry. An ion is a charged atom or molecule. Ions exist when most anything dissolved in water and they can exist for a time in the air if the air is exposed to a significant voltage such is in a thunderstorm, a welder's arc or some (but not all) air ionizer units. IF (a huge if) the soap could produce ions, the concentration could not be any greater than a few parts per trillion, which is far too small to play any role in treating the RLS of a person who also occupies the bed.

Re: Bar of soap in bed

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:05 pm
by Eternityroad
TY ;)

Re: Bar of soap in bed

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:42 pm
by Polar Bear
I have been one of those who will try anything within reason.
The soap has been under the bedsheet.
The copper bracelets reside in my bedside drawer.
I've sent for the 'oil' that claims to be wondrous.
None of them had a glimmer of positivity.
I should have known better, But .. what if just maybe ??

Only today my long standing closest friend told me she'd read recently about using a bar of soap for rls symptoms and did I know about it.

Desperate times sometimes interfered with my common sense.
These days my common sense is to the fore.