The $1 Solution to Your Sleep Problems: Soap in Bed?

6. Variations and Alternatives: Beyond the Basic Soap Method

Although the fundamental soap-in--bed approach is somewhat popular, several variants and substitutes have surfaced. These adaptations seek to maximize the possible advantages or offer choices for people who might not find success with the original approach. Investigating these variants could enable you to choose the best strategy for your particular requirements. One often used variant calls for particular kinds of soap. Claiming it's especially helpful for leg cramps and restless leg syndrome, several consumers swear by Irish Spring soap. Others choose natural, organic soaps because they believe they are less likely to include strong chemicals that could aggravate the skin or set off allergic reactions. Still another type emphasizes the aroma of the soap. Because lavender is such a well-known relaxant, lavender-scented soaps are sometimes advised. Some individuals even mix aromatherapy with the soap approach by first pouring a few drops of essential oils on the bar of soap before bed. Soap-filled bags or sachets have become available for anyone worried about the soap moving about or altering the texture of their bedding. Usually made to be quickly tucked under the sheet without causing lumps or pain, these items usually feature little soap bits or shavings in a cotton bag. Some creative people have developed on the idea by designing "sleep bars," specifically designed bars combining soap with other components thought to encourage relaxation and improved sleep. These might comprise extra minerals like magnesium and zinc or plants like valerian root or chamomile. Should you find the thought of adding soap to your bed objectionable, there are other approaches based on like ideas. Some people, for example, apply magnesium oil sprays on their legs before bed in an attempt to get the muscle-relaxing effects hypothesised to be part of the soap method's process. Still another viewpoint centers on the possible disruption theory of electromagnetic fields. Some people employ unique "earthing" sheets meant to neutralize EMFs in the sleeping room or small crystals. If the scent component is most helpful, think about various kinds of aromatherapy for sleep. This might involve gently misting your linens with a calming linen spray, using scented pillows, or essential oil diffusers. Like the original soap approach, these modifications and substitutes usually lack scientific support even if they look promising. Most of these techniques, however, have low risk and can thus be safely investigated as complimentary sleep aids. If you have persistent sleep problems or other health concerns, as with any sleep aid, pay attention to your body's reactions and see a doctor. We will review the main ideas on the soap-in---bed technique and provide some last comments in the last part.