Rubbing a bar of soap on bedsheets may sound strange, but it is actually an old home remedy many people swear by. The most common reason people do it is to help with nighttime leg cramps or restless legs.
The idea is usually simple: a dry bar of soap is rubbed lightly across the fitted sheet, or placed under the sheet near the feet. Some people believe the scent or ingredients in the soap help calm the legs and reduce cramping while sleeping. Others say it may simply be a comfort habit that relaxes the mind before bed.
There is no strong scientific proof that soap actually stops leg cramps, but many people still claim it works for them. It has become one of those old-fashioned tricks passed down from parents and grandparents, especially because it is cheap, harmless for most people, and easy to try.
Some prefer lavender soap because the scent feels calming. Others use plain soap with no strong perfume. The important thing is to keep it dry and avoid using anything that could irritate the skin.
So your aunt is not the only one doing this. While it may not be guaranteed to work, many people keep a bar of soap near their sheets as a simple bedtime trick for comfort and fewer nighttime cramps.