Science

The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress.

Ghaly M, Teplitz D. (Altern Complement Med. 2004 Oct;10(5):767-76) PubMed ID: 15650465

Abstract

Cortisol levels were measured and evaluated to test the hypothesis that grounding the human body to earth during sleep will result in quantifiable changes in cortisol. It was also hypothesized that grounding the human body would result in changes in sleep, pain, and stress (anxiety, depression, irritability), as measured by subjective reporting.

The results of the study found measurable improvements. Cortisol levels were significantly reduced during night-time sleep with a trend toward normalization. Subjectively reported symptoms, including sleep dysfunction, pain, and stress, were reduced or eliminated in nearly all subjects. This indicates that grounding the human body to earth ("earthing") during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile.

Emotional Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Grounding, and Improved Autonomic Tone: Clinical Applications

Gaétan Chevalier, Stephen T. Sinatra (PDF)

Abstract

Integrative biophysics for medical applications has been increasing in popularity. Grounding or earthing is the oldest and most basic form of natural bioelectric potential that supports physiological and electrophysiological changes in the body. Previous investigations have shown that grounding profoundly affects skin conductance within seconds, and it's been hypothesized that grounding may also improve heart rate variability. In this study, grounded subjects showed improvements that go beyond basic relaxation. Since improved heart rate variability has such a positive impact on cardiovascular status, it is suggested that simple grounding techniques be utilized as a basic integrative strategy in supporting the cardiovascular system, especially under situations of heightened autonomic tone (ie, when the sympathetic nervous system is more activated than the parasympathetic nervous system).

Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Brown, D., Chevalier, G., Hill, M. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Mar;16(3):265-73. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0399. PubMed ID: 20192911

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether there are markers that can be used to study the effects of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The subjects were exposed to an eccentric exercise that caused DOMS in muscles of both legs. Half of the subjects were grounded with electrode patches and patented conductive sheets connected to the earth while the other half (control subjects) were treated identically, except that the grounding systems were not connected to the earth.

The results of the study reveal that grounding the body to the earth alters measures of immune system activity and pain. Since this is the first intervention that appears to speed recovery from DOMS, this pilot provides a basis for a larger study.