At Just For Tummies, we’re always on the lookout for natural ways to support women’s health, especially during key life stages like menopause. This month, as part of our focus on women’s health, we’re diving into the fascinating world of earthing sheets – a product you may not have heard of but one that could make a real difference to your wellbeing.
What are earthing sheets?
Earthing sheets (also called grounding sheets) are bedding products designed to connect your body to the Earth’s natural electrical charge while you sleep. They’re made with conductive materials like silver or carbon fibres that mimic walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil.
I came across the concept of grounding and the effects of negative and positive ions many years ago when I attended a natural health practitioner workshop in London. I was fascinated and immersed myself in discovering more about the benefits of walking barefoot and getting out into the countryside or to the coast and filling the lungs with negative ions. We always feel recharged after a walk in nature or by the beach, don’t we?
The idea is simple: by grounding yourself, you align your body with the Earth’s natural energy, which is thought to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and balance the body’s systems. It’s a concept rooted in the study of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and how our modern lifestyles (surrounded by electronics) may disrupt our natural state of health. I learned about EMFs when we had a dowser or geobiologist come to our new house almost 30 years ago now. Kevin and I wanted to ensure we were not being bombarded by EMFs and if we were, what could we do to protect ourselves and our family. The dowser, Roy Riggs, spent several hours with dowsing rods and sophisticated equipment checking every room in the house for EMFs. He declared the house clear but he picked up that we were sleeping over an underground stream and this could cause geopathic stress on our bodies resulting in a multitude of health issues. He advised us to move the bed to a different location in the bedroom. You can learn more about Roy here.
How are earthing sheets supposed to work?
When your body comes into contact with the sheet, it absorbs the Earth’s free electrons. These electrons are believed to neutralise free radicals in the body, helping to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Lower stress levels
- Support better sleep quality
While earthing may sound a bit ‘out there’, it’s backed by a growing body of research. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding the body during sleep improved cortisol rhythms (important for stress regulation) and reduced pain and inflammation in participants.
Earthing and menopause – could it help?
Menopause can bring a host of challenges, including poor sleep, increased stress, joint pain, and hormonal imbalances. These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but grounding through earthing sheets may help ease the burden by addressing several key areas:
Improved sleep – Insomnia is a common struggle during menopause. Earthing has been shown to regulate cortisol levels, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Reduced inflammation and pain – Joint pain, muscle aches, and even hot flushes may stem from underlying inflammation. By neutralising free radicals, earthing sheets could help reduce these symptoms.
Lower stress and anxiety – The hormonal shifts of menopause often lead to heightened stress and mood swings. Grounding has been linked to calming the nervous system, which can ease feelings of anxiety and support emotional balance.
While research specifically focused on menopause is limited, the benefits of grounding for sleep, inflammation, and stress suggest it could be a valuable tool for menopausal women.
Is it worth trying?
If you’ve been struggling with menopausal symptoms and are curious about exploring natural solutions, earthing sheets could be worth a try. They’re simple to use, involve no medication, and could potentially support a more restful, balanced, and pain-free experience.
At Just For Tummies, we’re passionate about sharing lesser-known ways to support women’s health. Have you tried earthing sheets, or are you considering them? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! If you have any questions about menopause or a gut and digestive health issue, please get in touch.
