The Science Behind Grounding
Over the past two decades, peer-reviewed studies have examined how grounding (earthing) affects inflammation, cortisol rhythms, nervous system activity, and sleep quality.
The Effects of Grounding on Inflammation, Immune Response, Wound Healing, and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Journal of Inflammation Research, 2015
Summary: Grounding appears to improve sleep, normalize cortisol rhythms, reduce pain and stress responses, shift autonomic balance toward parasympathetic activation, increase heart rate variability and reduce blood viscosity.
Relevance: Shows multi-system physiological responses that include stress and sleep-related outcomes.
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Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004
Summary: Grounding the body during sleep resulted in measurable changes in cortisol secretion patterns and reduced subjective sleep dysfunction, pain, and stress in participants.
Relevance: One of the original human clinical grounding studies linking sleep improvement with cortisol regulation.
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Earthing Mat Improves Sleep Quality: A Randomized Study
Science Direct, 2025
Summary: An earthing mat intervention significantly reduced stress, insomnia severity, and daytime sleepiness, and increased total sleep time compared to control.
Relevance: Supports sleep quality improvements via earthing tools similar to grounding products used indoors.
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Grounding the Body Improves Sleep Quality in Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Healthcare (MDPI), 2022
Summary: Grounded participants showed statistically significant improvements in sleep quality compared with a sham-grounded group, as measured by PSQI.
Relevance: Shows grounding’s effects on sleep in a clinical population using rigorous design.
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Effectiveness of Grounded Sleeping on Recovery After Intensive Exercise
Frontiers in Physiology, 2019
Summary: Grounded sleeping modulated inflammatory markers after intense exercise, reducing muscle damage indicators compared to ungrounded conditions.
Relevance: Provides evidence for reduced inflammation and faster recovery — two markers connected to better overall health and sleep.
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Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons
Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012
Summary: Reviews decades of grounding research suggesting possible systemic effects on catalyzing better physiological equilibrium; includes references to sleep, inflammation, and cortisol findings.
Relevance: A broad review that ties together the various physiological systems affected by grounding.
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Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Strategies Should Include Earthing
Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 2020
Summary: Earthing is associated with reduced inflammation, pain, stress and improved circulation and sleep; summarizes ~20 existing studies.
Relevance: Independent published review supporting grounding’s physiological effects.
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Practical Applications of Grounding to Support Health
National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2022
Summary: Grounding was associated with deeper sleep, normalization of circadian rhythm, muscle relaxation, and mood improvements in experimental settings.
Relevance: Links grounding contact with multiple restorative processes.
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Effect of Earthing Mat on Stress-Induced Anxiety-like Behavior
Biomedicines, 2022
Summary: Animal model evidence that grounding influences stress hormone pathways and anxiety-like behavior, suggesting bioelectrical modulation impacts stress responses.
Relevance: While animal-based, supports impact on stress pathways that link to sleep and physiology.
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Research on grounding is ongoing. While published studies show measurable physiological effects, grounding is not a medical treatment or cure, and individual responses can vary. This information is provided for educational purposes only. If you have a medical condition or concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.