Are you having trouble sleeping? You might want to get yourself an earthing mat.
I found out about “earthing” or “grounding” from the film, Grounded. The film is based on the discoveries of Clinton Ober regarding the benefits of earthing. I was fascinated by the concept, but became sold on the idea when I saw David Suzuki appearing in the film to advocate earthing.
The concept of earthing involves getting back to nature by walking barefoot or placing one’s bare skin on grass, earth, sand or even unpainted concrete. According to the book, Earthing by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. and Martin Zucker, the earth releases negative-charged free electrons, which balance free radicals within our bodies. Free radicals, of course, are the culprits responsible for inflammation, disease and aging. [Note: Free radicals initially perform a healthy function of neutralizing free electrons from damaged tissue. The problem begins, however, when there is no more damaged tissue and free radicals begin pairing up with electrons from healthy tissue.] Ober found throughout his studies that grounding helped relieve individuals from inflammation, asthma and other respiratory conditions, ADD, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, sleep apnea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The problem is we can’t always get outside to ground ourselves. This is where earthing products come in. Earthing products, which include mats, bed sheets, and patches, are used indoors to create the same effect as walking barefoot on the earth.
Anecdotally, since using the earthing mat at bedtime for the past two weeks, I have noticed a profound improvement in my sleep. I sleep much deeper and fall asleep easier when I do wake up during the night. I also feel much calmer during the day. This can be explained by Ober’s studies, which found that cortisol levels were stabilized by sleeping on an earthing mat or mattress pad.
I purchased my earthing mat from Earthing for $69.99 plus taxes and shipping. The price includes a copy of the Earthing book and Grounded DVD mentioned above. You just plug the mat in to a grounded socket (an outlet with three prongs) so that the mat is grounded. You can then place the mat under your bare feet or arms while you work at your computer, read or watch TV. (They advise against using the mat while you are charging your computer or during thunderstorms.) You can also lie on the mat in your bed. The mat will be conductive and beneficial as long as you are resting your bare skin on it.
The earthing mat is 10″ x 27″ and comes with a cover that you can use if you choose and you can wash your earthing mat in the washing machine.
Of course, the ultimate goal is not to spend more time inside with your earthing products. Ideally, you will want to get outside with your bare feet placed on our beloved earth.
