Now that EMFs and WiFi are everywhere, many of us are exploring the benefits of reconnecting to the earth’s healing frequencies. Although I try to walk barefoot outside daily, it’s a bit tougher in the winter. The good news is that it’s still possible to get the benefits of grounding while indoors. I use and recommend grounding sheets to stay grounded every night while sleeping.
What is Grounding/Earthing?
Earthing or “grounding” refers to connecting the body to the earth’s electrical energy. “Grounding” traditionally meant connecting electrical devices to the earth for safety purposes. Earthing is a newer term that refers to deliberately making physical contact with the Earth for health benefits.
Clint Ober, a cable television installer, is credited with pioneering the modern Earthing movement. He initiated the conversation through his 2010 book inspired by his health experiments. He also founded the Earthing Institute, which supports scientific research on the benefits of grounding.
Since bringing attention to the benefits of grounding, all kinds of grounding products have emerged. They’re designed to help people get the benefits of grounding while working and sleeping indoors. One of these inventions is grounding sheets.
What Are Grounding Sheets?
Grounding bed sheets (aka earthing sheets) are special flat or fitted sheets designed to connect the body with the earth’s natural electrical charge at night. The idea is based on the concept that direct contact with the earth allows free electrons from the earth’s surface to flow into the body.
How Do Grounding Sheets Work?
Grounding sheets are typically cotton sheets woven with fine conductive materials. They most often use silver threads or carbon fibers. These conductive elements allow the sheet to transfer the earth’s energy to your body. The sheet is then connected to the grounding port of an electrical outlet. It can also directly connect to a grounding rod outside your home.
Why Use Grounding Sheets?
Using grounding sheets can support well-being in several ways.
Improving Sleep
Many people use grounding sheets to improve sleep quality. They can support a good night’s sleep in several ways. One of them is by reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is supposed to be high in the morning and low at night. But when stress levels stay elevated, it can be difficult to relax and fall asleep. Using grounding sheets or even a grounding pillowcase may help.
Reducing Inflammation
One of the best-studied benefits of earthing is its anti-inflammatory effects. The free electrons that emanate from the earth act as antioxidants in the human body. They fight free radicals in the body, lowering inflammation and associated symptoms like pain and loss of function.
Supporting Hormone Balance
Using grounding sheets at night may also help support hormone balance. Grounding can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and normalize our natural rhythms.
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Earthing may also support a healthy cardiovascular system. Because it supports blood flow, nightly grounding may improve blood pressure and increase oxygenation. As tissues receive needed oxygen and nutrients, wound healing may speed up.
Supporting Healing
Using grounding sheets is an excellent way to support healing. Not only can it enhance blood flow and nutrient delivery, but it also supports the immune system. Grounding the body helps to reduce inflammation and take the body out of fight-or-flight, returning it to a state of rest and repair.
How to Use Earthing Products Safely
First, make sure your home’s electrical system is correctly grounded before using an outlet-based grounding sheet. Some grounding products come with an outlet checker and product tester, so you can ensure you have a grounded electrical outlet. If unsure about a particular wall outlet, consult an electrician.
Place the sheet on your mattress like you would with a fitted sheet or a flat sheet. Make sure it covers the area your skin will directly touch while sleeping. Attach the cord that comes with the sheet to the sheet itself. The other end of the cord will either:
- Plug into the grounding port of a standard wall outlet (the third prong) if your home’s electrical system is properly grounded.
- Attach to a grounding rod that you place outside, which connects directly to the earth.
When you get into bed, make sure your skin (feet, legs, or any part of your body) touches the conductive part of the sheet while you sleep. Direct contact is necessary for grounding and getting the benefits.
You can use grounding sheets on your bed, on a couch, or even on your yoga mat. Many people bring them along while traveling to stay grounded at the hotel, vacation rental, or when staying with family or friends.
When to Use Grounding Sheets
Using grounding sheets while you sleep is ideal for long, continuous contact, potentially improving sleep quality and promoting recovery. However, you don’t have to wait until bedtime to use grounding sheets or an earthing mat. Here are some additional ideas of when to use them:
- Resting or Relaxing: When reading, meditating, or napping, grounding sheets can help you feel calm and reduce stress.
- Working: If you spend long hours sitting at a desk, try placing a grounding sheet on your chair to stay grounded.
- Post-Workout Recovery: Used after exercise, resting on grounding sheets may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
- When Feeling the Effects of Pain or Inflammation: If you have chronic pain or inflammation, consider using grounding sheets while resting. Maybe even keep one on a designated couch. It may help alleviate these symptoms over time.
So, when should you avoid using grounding sheets? Here are a few precautions.
Precautions for Using Grounding Sheets
If you use medical devices like pacemakers, be aware that being connected to the earth could interfere with the medical device. Those sensitive to EMFs also may not do well with grounding sheets. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if one of these situations applies to you.
If a grounding sheet is damaged or not properly grounded, it could pose a safety risk. Make sure all components are in working order and connected properly. Likewise, if the outlet you plan to use is poorly grounded, it could even be unsafe. Test to make sure the outlet is properly grounded before use.
Avoid using grounding sheets during thunderstorms. If lightning strikes nearby, being grounded could be dangerous. However, the likelihood of anything happening is extremely small.
Grounding sheets can also benefit children, particularly for sleep and relaxation. Just keep in mind the same precautions above. For infants or toddlers, consult with your pediatrician first. Small children have more sensitive skin, so they may have different reactions.
Also, check with your pediatrician if your child has any medical conditions or uses devices like insulin pumps or pacemakers.
How to Find Good Quality Grounding Sheets
So, how do you find a great set of grounding sheets? Look for something with organic cotton and pure silver fiber for conduction. You want it to have at least 5% metal, but 10% can work better. If it’s a grounding mat for somewhere other than the bed, these can be made with conductive carbon instead of cotton.
Ideally, test the sheets for conductivity right after you open the package. Then, follow care instructions to maximize their lifespan. This set of organic grounding sheets follows those qualifications plus it has a warranty and is made in the USA.
What I Do
I use a grounding mat while sitting at my desk to stay grounded throughout my workday. I also have an earthing sheet on my bed, which keeps me grounded all night. Since incorporating these grounding products, I’ve noticed significant improvements in my sleep quality and a reduction in headaches. Staying grounded helps to provide that relaxed at the beach feeling while working and going about your daily routine.
Have you used grounding sheets? Have they helped you sleep better or reduce other symptoms? Share with us below!