Can’t sleep? How earthing could hold the key to beating insomnia
Did you know that insomnia affects around 35% of the global population? That’s more than one in three of us struggling with a lack of sleep.
Of those sleep-deprived people, an estimated 10% suffer from chronic insomnia. As a result, they have difficulty sleeping for three or more months.
Insomnia is a debilitating condition. It leads to poor sleep quality, a feeling of constant fatigue and impaired mental and physical health.
Common practices to combat insomnia vary worldwide, but there’s one potential solution that’s growing in popularity: earthing.
What is earthing – how can it help you sleep?
Also known as grounding, earthing is about connecting your body to the Earth’s energy. According to The Earthing Institute, this energy “nurtures and balances your body at the deepest levels, draining it of inflammation, pain, stress and fatigue”.
It offers a more accessible solution than some of the other sleep remedies on the market. Walking barefoot on grass, sand or soil for 15-30 minutes before bed is the simplest way to connect your body to natural energy, according to the principles of earthing. It soothes you, gets you into a relaxed state and aligns your body with natural rhythms, aiding better sleep and overall wellbeing.
Here are three options that replicate the natural sleep-enhancing benefits of earthing.
1. Wear grounding flip-flops
What if you dislike walking barefoot, or you don’t have access to areas where you can do this? You can still experience the benefits of earthing by wearing grounding flip-flops. Brands such as Earthing Revolution have developed affordable flip-flops specifically designed to maintain a connection with the Earth’s natural electrical field.
How they work: To mimic the grounding effect of barefoot walking, a conductive strip within the sole facilitates the transfer of electrons between your body and the Earth’s surface.
They’re particularly beneficial if you live in an urban environment where concrete is abundant (concrete is a conductive surface that will ground you). They’re also ideal for those who find walking barefoot uncomfortable or unsuitable. Wear them on walks and errands as a convenient way to incorporate earthing into your lifestyle without significant changes to your habits.
2. Use an earthing mat
For those with busy schedules or limited access to outdoor spaces, conductive earthing mats are an excellent way to stay grounded indoors.
Use them while sleeping, working at a desk, relaxing on the sofa or even preparing food in the kitchen. Their versatility means you can incorporate earthing into your daily routine without disrupting your lifestyle.
How they work: Designed to mimic the Earth’s energy, they’re infused with conductive materials. As with the flip-flops, the idea is that they transfer electrons from the Earth to your body, providing the same benefits as walking barefoot.
Earthing Revolution offers the original patented Clint Ober high-quality earthing mats. You just plug them into a grounded outlet, or connect them to a grounding rod if you do want to move outside, and you’re ready to go.
Because they work on the principles of earthing, they reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, promoting better sleep and supporting overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a professional working long hours, a parent juggling responsibilities – or both – they’re a convenient way to harness the benefits of earthing anywhere, any time.
3. Practice earthing meditation
Inspired by Indian yoga traditions, yoga earthing mats offered by brands such as Earthing Revolution combine earthing with mindfulness.
How they work: The more effective mats come with dual-sided conductivity. This means that when they’re placed on conductive surfaces like grass, sand or soil, they’re designed to amplify the grounding effect.
As you flow through poses or sit in mindful stillness, the mat transfers electrons from the Earth to your body. Combined with yoga’s stress-relieving properties, this creates a synergistic effect, enhancing relaxation and sleep quality.
They’re said to be especially beneficial if you’re physically active and want to recover more quickly from workouts. Why? Well, the grounding process is thought to neutralise free radicals and support better blood flow. This reduces soreness and improves muscle recovery.
Find out more – and sleep well!
Earthing Revolution was founded by Jen Finlay after she experienced first-hand the healing potential of earthing. Suffering from arthritis and Crohn’s disease, she was looking for alternative ways to reduce inflammation and stress, boost her energy levels and encourage good sleep patterns.
“I no longer experience arthritic pain, not had a single Crohn’s flare-up, the quality and amount of sleep has improved and I no longer suffer anxiety,” says Jen. “The benefits of earthing have impacted my life in so many other ways. Now, my passion and mission is to help others benefit from earthing themselves, just as I have.”
She recommends Clint Ober Elite Earthing products, having met and been mentored by Clint, a pioneer in his field.
From earthing pillow cases to the Earthing Elite Sleep Mat Kit, Earthing Revolution offer a huge range of products designed to aid quality sleep. You can also stock up on all the accessories you might need, including Ground Earthing Patches and the Earthing Grounding Rods. There are even earthing pet beds for your furry friends.
May the Earth be with you!