Grounding, or earthing, is a practice in which your body makes direct contact with the Earth’s surface. This can happen when walking or running barefoot outdoors. It is thought that this transfers the Earth’s free electrons into the body to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and alleviate pain. Grounding sheets have increased in popularity, as they offer a convenient way for people to practice grounding indoors. This article offers a detailed overview on grounding sheets and the research behind them.
What is a grounding sheet?
A grounding sheet, also called an earthing sheet is a device that allows your body to have direct contact with the Earth during sleep. It comes with a conductive material, which is either carbon or silver, and you plug the sheet’s wire into a grounded outlet.
The goal is to help reduce pain and improve mental health symptoms, among other health problems.
How do grounding sheets work?
The purpose of a grounding sheet is to mimic the experience of walking barefoot on soil or grass. This practice is called grounding (or earthing).
Researchers believe that the Earth has a negative electrical charge because of the presence of free electrons. The contact your skin makes with the Earth allows these electrons to absorb into the body, which could potentially be beneficial for your health.
The sheet’s conductive material helps the Earth’s electrons flow through the body during sleep.
Some studies have shown that grounding sheets may be effective. It is important to note that research is limited, as most studies contain small sample sizes. Many people often report improved mood and better sleep after using a grounding device. However, these benefits are anecdotal.
We need more studies to fully understand the health benefits and risks grounding sheets come with.
If you are interested in using a grounding sheet, consult your doctor first. They can evaluate your symptoms and health status and recommend the type of treatment that works best for you.
Benefits of using grounding sheets
These are some benefits of grounding sheets.
Better sleep
People with Alzheimer’s disease may experience better sleep quality when sleeping with a grounding sheet.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes loss of memory and thinking functions. These reduce your ability to perform simple tasks.
As it progresses, some of the symptoms can be difficult to treat. These include sleep problems, hallucinations, and agitation.
Reduced inflammation
One review suggests that the free electrons entering the body have an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants are substances that prevent your body from experiencing cell damage. Cell damage can happen if you have an infection and can cause ulcers or diarrhea, among other symptoms.
Pain reduction
According to a 2015 study, sleeping grounded may help alleviate pain if you have had an injury during a sports activity. One participant developed chronic pain and swelling to their right knee, and they could not perform routine activities like driving, as it worsened their symptoms.
The doctors prescribed medications and physical therapy. The participant also slept with a pillow between their knees to help reduce pain. There was not a lot of improvement.
Then, they slept grounded for six days. This helped reduce pain by 50% without the need to use a pillow between their knees. After 12 weeks of grounding, the knee was no longer swollen and the pain improved by nearly 90%.
Emotional regulation
There is limited evidence on how grounding can affect your mood.
However, in an older study, 40 participants slept grounded for one hour. They used a grounding pillow, mat, and patch. They experienced a positive mood compared to the control group.
Risks and considerations
It is important to be aware of the risks of grounding sheets and to consult a physician before using any devices or new treatments.
They might not work for everyone. Grounding mats, which are similar to grounding sheets may not be effective to improve anxiety and depression symptoms in people with dementia.
Even though research suggests that grounding may be beneficial to our health, the results might be unreliable as most studies consist of small sample sizes. Further research on larger sample sizes is needed to understand better how this practice works.
Furthermore, grounding sheets can cause an electric shock if the wires are faulty or the sheet is damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not use the sheet if there are any tears.
Check your electrical system. Confirm with a professional that it is safe to use with modern devices.
Who shouldn’t use grounding sheets?
Earthing devices can interact with medical devices. If you have a pacemaker you should not sleep grounded without first seeking medical advice. The American Heart Association recommends keeping antennae or motors six inches away from your pacemaker.
Some people may be tempted to use grounding sheets as their form of treatment. If you have a medical condition, you should take your medications as instructed by your doctor and discuss with them if the treatment has not worked or you are concerned about their side effects.
If you stop your treatment without medical advice, you may have an increased risk of harming your body. The physician can personalize a treatment plan for you and advise if you can use a grounding device as additional therapy.
How to use grounding sheets safely
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a grounding sheet. However, here is a brief guideline on how to use the device safely:
- Check that the outlet is grounded. Some grounding sheets come with a tester to confirm, but if you are unsure, ask an electrician.
- If the cord is not damaged, plug it into the outlet and check that the connection is secure.
- Place the sheet on your bed and check that you can easily access the plug point.
- Wear light clothing so there is more contact between your body and the sheet.
- Ask your doctor if the grounding sheet is safe, if you sleep with a partner.
- When washing the sheet, avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners to prevent damaging its conductive properties. Use a gentle cycle and contact the manufacturer if you are in doubt.
- Avoid drying the grounding sheet in high heat. If you have a tumble dryer, use the low-heat setting to prevent any damages.
Grounding sheets are devices that can potentially provide pain relief and improve sleep and mood disorders. Scientific evidence is limited, so there is still more research to be done to confirm their efficacy on a larger sample size and long-term basis.
Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before trying grounding practices – grounding devices might not be safe if you have a chronic condition or use a pacemaker.
What are your thoughts on grounding sheets? Share your thoughts below.
FAQs
- How are grounding sheets different from regular bedsheets?
Grounding sheets have conductive materials, like silver or carbon so that they can connect to the Earth’s energy when plugged into a grounded outlet. Regular bedsheets do not have these features.
- Is it safe to sleep on a grounding sheet?
It is generally safe to sleep on a grounding sheet as long as the device and wire are not damage and the outlet is properly grounded. However, you should still seek medical advice before using grounding devices, as they might not be safe for everyone.
- What is the purpose of grounding sheets?
The purpose is to experience the benefits of grounding (earthing) in bed – similar to what you would experience when walking barefoot outdoors.
- How do I know if my grounding sheet is properly working?
First, read the manufacturer’s instructions and check that the sheet and wire are not damaged. When plugged, check that the connection is secure. If you are in doubt, contact an electrician.
- How often should I replace my grounding sheet?
Every 1–3 years, but it depends on wear and manufacturer recommendations.