It’s no secret: Getting consistent, quality sleep is a challenge. But according to a 2022 study published in Healthcare, the key to better rest could be as simple as kicking off your shoes.
In the study, researchers in Taiwan tested the effects of grounding—a practice of having direct contact with the earth by lying on the ground or walking barefoot—on a small group of adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease. They found that 30 minutes of grounding five times a week significantly improved the sleep quality of participants.
But it goes beyond sleep. Other studies cited grounding as a potential tool to reduce inflammation, improve your mood—and even heal wounds. Why is the simple act of going barefoot outside so powerful?
The Benefits of Grounding
Our planet’s electrical charges interact with our own electrical systems when we come in contact with the ground, says Gaétan Chevalier, the director of The Earthing Institute. This exchange of electrons neutralizes the acids in our bodies, which can cause inflammation, osteoporosis, and even mood swings if left unneutralized, he says. Better sleep is just the result…
