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Grounding sheets may be a TikTok trend, but the concept is not new. They are the latest in a line of conductive grounding systems, joining grounding socks, shoes, patches and rods. These conductive systems are created for people who can't or choose not to be outdoors barefoot but still desire the benefits of grounding.
The sheets look very similar to regular bed sheets, except they're woven with a conductive material like carbon or silver and then connected to a power outlet or directly onto the ground outside.
When sleeping on earthing sheets, your body is said to reconnect with the Earth's electrical energy by absorbing its negatively charged electrons. This helps balance out the positively charged electrons that build up in the human body, and this homeostasis is responsible for a variety of health benefits, according to proponents.
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Grounding, or earthing, is the concept that humans have gradually become disconnected from the Earth's surface electrons and that reconnection with these electrons offers positive health results. Grounding occurs when you walk barefoot outside or connect to a conductive system (like grounding sheets) that serves the same purpose.
Research supports the grounding hypothesis that earthing is akin to other basic physiological needs like food, water, air and movement. Other studies on earthing mats (a close cousin of earthing sheets) reveal anxiety reduction and improved stress responses.
The health benefits of using grounding sheets mirror the health benefits of using direct (barefoot-to-earth) grounding or other conductive systems. Benefits will also vary based on how much time you spend grounding daily.
Cortisol is an important hormone produced by your body to regulate stress response, blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation and sleep. Too much cortisol can degrade your ability to sleep and the quality of sleep you get.
Studies show that grounding while sleeping reduces cortisol levels, and the result is often better sleep.
Grounding seems to have beneficial physiological changes. The electron transfers that occur during grounding are the basis for anti-inflammatory activity, according to a study on grounding's impact on inflammation and inflammatory diseases. A similar study revealed that the occasional "recharging" with the Earth's surface is optimally effective against chronic inflammation.
Although studies on grounding's effect on stress are limited, some research has shown that grounding positively impacts stress and anxiety. One study using grounding mats (similar to grounding sheets) concluded that grounding sets "the biological clocks for the hormones that regulate stress responses."
One study on grounding observed 40 adults who were either given a grounded pillow or a non-grounded pillow. Although the study agrees that more extensive studies should be conducted on the topic, the results were clear. Pleasant and positive moods were improved among those with the grounded pillow compared to those with the non-grounded pillow.
With all the other benefits grounding brings to the human body, you may be wondering if it can improve chronic illness. While experts agree grounding does not replace proper medical care, they also agree that grounding can counteract some chronic illness like auto-immune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, neurodegenerative and respiratory conditions.
Here are some risks to consider before you make your earthing bed tonight:
When you get your grounding sheets, the first thing to do is test the ground on your electrical outlet. Many grounding sheet sets come with a tester. If your outlet tests well, you're ready to put the sheets on the bed like any other sheets. Run the cable somewhere safe where you or others won't trip over it, then plug it in.
The idea is that with as much skin-to-sheet contact as possible, you'll gain the most benefit from your ground sheets. If you want to wear pajamas, avoid synthetic materials that would impede the electrical connection.
Since grounding sheets are part of a trend, beware of fake or subpar products that may be floating around the internet. Here are some tips for selecting the best grounding sheets for your needs:
Source: cnet.com