The simple act of sleeping well can sometimes feel elusive. A growing trend may provide the key to unlocking both better sleep and improved overall health―grounding sheets. Also known as earthing sheets, these innovative products are designed to make us feel closer to earth while we slumber. Like with any new trend, we have to wonder―are they worth trying?
First, what is grounding?
Grounding (or earthing) is the idea that direct, electrically-conductive connection between your body and the earth can help manage inflammation, immune function, sleep, normal day-night cortisol rhythms, healing, and pain. Examples include walking outside barefoot, swimming, and gardening. But new technology offers another option. Through basic simple conductive devices like sheets or mats, you can tap into the benefits of ‘grounding’ from the comfort of your bed.
How exactly do grounding sheets work?
Grounded sleep systems contain conductive carbon or silver threads woven throughout. These threads connect to a wire that leads out the bedroom window or through the wall to a metal rod inserted into the earth near a healthy plant. Or, it can be connected to the ground terminal of an electrical outlet. Then, your body absorbs electrons from the ground. All that’s left for you to do is get to sleep, and the system connects your skin to the earth.
Feel like you’re going to get an unwanted electric shock while you sleep? Don’t worry, the mechanisms and built-in resistors are fitted to make sure you can sleep safely.
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What are the results?
One early study, cited by the National Library of Medicine, found in a small test group that these grounding sheets did in fact have positive benefits. In 8 weeks, a group of individuals experiencing trouble sleeping and pain found that their cortisol profiles normalized, sleep improved, and pain and stress levels were reduced. Read more on the science from NCBI here. One other 2022 study on grounding found similar results, including improved sleep quality for a small group of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. That sounds like good news to us!
So, fad or functional?
Maybe a bit of both. More evidence is needed as the existing results are limited and often anecdotal, but this simple and easy-to-use tech could be worth a try at home if you’re running out of ideas and want to test out different options to sleep better, manage pain, and feel better overall. Or, simply set a reminder to spend a little time barefoot each day to test out some of the benefits. As they say―touch grass!
Shop Grounding Sheets
Best Value: Yonwold Organic Grounding Sheet (Starting at $32)
Best Reviewed: hooga Organic Cotton Grounding Sheet (Starting at $89, or just start with a pillowcase at $39!)
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