Grounding (also known as earthing) is the practice of connecting your body to the Earth’s surface by walking barefoot in the grass or soil.
Preliminary research on grounding is promising; studies have found that getting grounded can help deepen meditation (which, in turn, can help you get better sleep); decrease pain, fatigue, and depression; reduce inflammation (and the pain that often comes with it); and lower cortisol (aka the stress hormone).
But when you’re going to sleep, grounding isn’t necessarily convenient (unless you’re camping). There is, however, a solution that promises to help you get the positive impacts of grounding from the comfort of your bed—and that’s grounding sheets.
But what, exactly, are grounding bed sheets? How do they work? And are they effective for improving sleep?
What are grounding sheets?
First things first: what is a grounding sheet?
“To put it simply, they are sheets that plug into the wall and mimic the natural electric energy of the Earth as you sleep,” says Caleb Backe, a holistic health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. “Hence the term ‘grounding’ sheet as it’s meant to make you feel more connected and switched on to the natural world that is all around us.”
Or, to put it another way, “Grounding mats and sheets facilitate the flow of electrons from the Earth to the body, creating a connection to the Earth’s energy,” says Jacob Smith, a board-certified sleep therapist and CPAP specialist at Order Your Supplies.
“The general idea is that they create a direct, electrical connection between your body and the electrical frequency of the Earth,” says Backe.
“Grounding mats and sheets facilitate the flow of electrons from the Earth to the body, creating a connection to the Earth’s energy.”
Jacob Smith, a board-certified sleep therapist and CPAP specialist
Grounding sheets are having a moment because “by connecting your bedding to the earth, some people believe they will experience a variety of health benefits,” says Dan Gartenberg, PhD, advisor at CPAP.com. Or, in other words, some believe that using grounding sheets can deliver the proven benefits of grounding—just without having to directly touch the ground.
And it’s not just sheets that are being marketed as grounding solutions! “These products come in various forms, including sleep pads, patches, pillowcases, yoga mats, blankets, and socks, allowing individuals to incorporate grounding practices into their daily activities, such as sleeping, working, or exercising,” says Smith.
How do grounding sheets work?
Grounding sheets are designed to connect you to Earth’s energy. But how do they create that connection?
“These sheets are equipped with conductive materials that transfer the Earth’s electrons to the body, promoting a sense of grounding and balance,” says Gartenberg.
Think of it this way: When you walk barefoot on the Earth—for example, in a forest, on grass, or on the beach—there are no barriers between you and the electrical charge of Earth’s surface, says Backe.
“Grounding sheets aim to mimic this electrical charge with the idea that it keeps us more connected to the natural world around us,” he explains. “This, in turn, can provide a host of relaxation benefits, which can then be translated into improved sleeping routines and sleep wellness in general.”
Do grounding sheets work?
As mentioned, devotees claim that grounding sheets offer the same benefits as grounding. “Grounding sheets and mats have garnered attention for their potential benefits in promoting sleep, reducing stress, and addressing certain health issues,” says Smith.
Do they actually work, though?
While there’s plenty of evidence (as mentioned earlier) of the benefits of grounding, there isn’t that same kind of evidence on grounding sheets.
“While grounding sheets have become more popular, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited,” says Gartenberg.
Instead, the benefits of the sheets are often tied to the benefits of the actual grounding practice—which, again, has some clear benefits.
“While grounding sheets have become more popular, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.”
Dan Gartenberg, PhD, advisor at CPAP.com
“The potential benefits of grounding sheets and mats are attributed to the natural anti-inflammatory properties of grounding, which may help neutralize free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation,” says Smith. “Additionally, grounding practices have been associated with potential improvements in sleep quality, stress reduction, and overall well-being.”
While there may not be science to back up the benefits of grounding sheets, there are plenty of satisfied customers who claim to experience said benefits.
“While this area of sleep science is lacking research and actual scientific evidence, there are numerous anecdotal reasons why sleep experts believe grounding sheets to have a positive effect on your sleeping routine and health,” says Backe.
The bottom line on grounding sheets
Are grounding sheets legit—and should you try them as a way to get better sleep?
It depends. Like any wellness trend, you should talk to your care provider to determine if grounding sheets are right for you—and if you opt to try them, then you’ll also want to do your research to ensure you try a high-quality product with a good reputation and positive reviews.
“Individuals interested in grounding products are encouraged to seek guidance from experts and customer support teams to select the right products for their needs and to harness the full potential of grounding for improved health and well-being,” says Smith.
It should also be noted that grounding sheets aren’t a silver bullet; if you’re trying to improve your sleep, then grounding sheets can be a part of that (as long as your doctor approves)—but they shouldn’t be the only strategy in your arsenal.
“While grounding sheets and mats have gained popularity as a holistic wellness practice, it is essential to approach their use as part of a comprehensive approach to health and well-being,” says Smith. “Incorporating grounding into one’s lifestyle should be complemented with other healthful practices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.”
Another thing to note is that grounding sheets aren’t cheap; they can easily cost $100 or $200. And the truth is, if you want to get better sleep, then there are plenty of other evidence-based strategies you can use that cost less (even free!). So, before you shell out hundreds for grounding products, you might consider trying one of those strategies.
“While the jury is still out on whether grounding improves sleep, there are lots of other sleep solutions that are backed by science,” says Gartenberg. “This is especially true for individuals who have underlying sleep disorders.” Check out our guide to sleep hygiene for ideas.
FAQs
How long does it take for a grounding sheet to work?
The effects of grounding sheets can vary from person to person; while some people report experiencing results after their first use, others report it taking weeks or months to feel any change.
Are grounding bed sheets good for you?
While there’s not a ton of research on grounding products, the practice of grounding has been shown to have a variety of good-for-you effects, including lower stress and decreased inflammation.
How do I know if my grounding sheet is working?
If you start to experience the effects grounding sheets claim to deliver (like less stress or better sleep), then it may be an indicator that the grounding sheets are working.
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