A guide to the potentially positive health benefits of grounding, otherwise known as earthing, as explained by two sleep experts.
Another day, another health trend, except this may just be the one that most sleep professionals can get behind.
No-frills grounding (or “earthing”) has gained traction as a way to connect one’s body to the electric current of Earth’s surface, usually through direct contact by either walking barefoot or lying down.
Though research on its efficacy is somewhat limited, especially when performed intentionally and in connection with catching Zzz’s, studies have shown great promise in producing a bevy of various health benefits. In fact, grounding may have the ability to reduce inflammation, manage pain, increase sleep quality, and even enhance mood.
To delve a little deeper, we tapped into the expertise of sleep specialist and neurologist Dr. Chris Winter, as well as Dr. Christopher J. Allen, CEO and lead physician of Quality Sleep and Neurology PC in Saginaw, MI.
What Is Grounding?
Grounding is a simple technique that aims to connect and realign your body to the Earth’s natural electric charge. According to Winter, it also allows a circuit to “limit the build-up of static electricity,” much like what is done in electrical wiring to “safeguard against a short circuit and allow the current to safely return to the ground.”
“This is also made possible by using conductive devices such as sheets or mats that are connected to a grounded outlet,” adds Allen, though anybody can easily take part by partaking in activities such as long walks, yoga, or simply relaxing under a tree. “The reasoning is that the Earth’s natural electrical charge can help stabilize the body's electrical environment.”
“Applied to sleep, grounding is thought to improve sleep quality by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and normalizing cortisol levels,” explains Allen, though Winter reiterates that there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
“Nobody really knows how (or if) this has any meaningful effect or application for sleep,” he stresses. “While our bodies and brains are absolutely electrical in nature, the means through which grounding would improve sleep are unclear.”
That said, grounding requires almost no effort and forces people to take pause and appreciate nature, so there really isn’t a downside other than potential mobility limitations that would prevent someone from lying down.
Is Grounding More Psychological or Physiological?
While our bodies are naturally electrical due to their high water content, the practice of grounding seems like it would have more of a psychological effect than a physical one. After all, resting on a parcel of grass isn’t going to cause sparks to transfer from your toes and into the Earth, but it may just clear your brain from the stress and chaos of everyday life.
“Physiologically, research suggests that grounding reduces inflammation, decreases muscle damage, and improves recovery time,” reveals Allen. “Psychologically, the act of grounding might contribute to relaxation and stress reduction, being intentional by making time for yourself, and potentially improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
“The benefits of grounding likely stem from a synergy between mind and body,” he adds.
While Winter agrees that grounding shows promise from a physiological standpoint, he’s not completely sold on its psychological benefits, arguing that there may be a bit of a placebo effect, especially when it comes to combating insomnia.
“I think that there is most likely a psychological benefit as there would be for any therapy or intervention that one ‘believes’ in,” he says. “My kids believed that their blankets helped them sleep better. This all plays into the idea that comfort and confidence play a huge role in sleep quality.”
Grounding and Athletes
If there is one type of person who may benefit most from grounding, it’s athletes. A recent study supports its efficacy with individuals recovering from “intensive eccentric muscle loading.” Winter has even witnessed its influence firsthand among professional baseball players.
“When I was out at MLB Spring Training working with the teams that employ me, several players were asking me about grounding,” he shares. “Several players were [also] using grounding sheets and seeing improvements in their sleep and recovery.”
This particular study revealed a positive impact on recovery and athletic performance by “reducing markers of inflammation and muscle damage, such as creatine kinase (CK) levels, after intense exercise.”
“This suggests that grounding may help athletes recover faster, experience less muscle soreness, and maintain higher performance levels during training and competition,” explains Allen. “The improved blood circulation and reduced oxidative stress associated with grounding could be key factors in this correlation.”
Who Would Benefit Most From Grounding?
Aside from athletes, who place their bodies under a tremendous amount of stress, everyday people can also benefit from incorporating grounding into their daily routines.
“Theoretically, if you already live on the coast and walk around barefoot all day, you are probably pretty grounded,” says Winter. “On the other hand, if you live in a high-rise or work from home, grounding would seem to have more application in your situation.”
Allen echoes these sentiments, adding that “people who struggle with sleep issues, such as insomnia or stress-related sleep disturbances, might find grounding beneficial as it could help regulate cortisol levels and improve relaxation.”
That said, he stresses that it’s not a cure-all and that anyone struggling with sleep quality should contact a medical professional for treatment.
The Best Grounding Techniques
Despite what people may believe or what science is currently indicating, it never hurts to get outside and “touch grass.” Here are a few grounding recommendations for beginners, per Allen:
- Spend time walking barefoot outdoors. “On natural surfaces such as grass, soil, or sand.”
- Invest in grounding sheets, mats, or patches for indoor use. “Ensure they’re connected to a grounded outlet.”
- Enjoy simple practices such as gardening with bare hands or sitting outside with direct skin contact on the ground. “These can also help maintain a connection with the Earth, potentially leading to improved health and well-being.”
Grounding can be done in as little as 10 minutes per day, though many companies that sell grounding mats recommend up to 40-minute intervals.
Final Thoughts
While evidence isn’t fully concrete, taking the time to become closer to Earth certainly won’t have a negative effect on anyone’s life. It requires very minimal effort and, at the very least, allows a typically busy human to pause, relax, and even practice breathing work to lower their heart rate and cortisol levels.
“To me, grounding is like making a birthday wish,” says Winter. “Why not? It can't hurt, right?”
