Soap Under Sheet Prevents Leg Cramps

Q. I am a 70-year-old PhD who tried a bar of soap under the sheet in bed at night to prevent severe leg cramps that had not responded to a multitude of other treatment efforts. I was desperate.
I was also totally shocked when it worked. I didn’t tell anyone for two weeks, for fear it was a psychological effect and sharing it would ruin the benefit. It has been six weeks now, and I’ve not had another calf cramp. Let’s hear it once again for folk remedies!
A. We have not found any scientifically plausible explanation, but soap under the bottom sheet (between the sheet and the mattress pad) prevents leg cramps for a surprising number of people.