| schema:text
| - Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that walking barefoot on grass can improve sleep. We did the fact check and found that it is half true.
The Claim
According to a post on Threads, walking barefoot on grass offers numerous health benefits like improved sleep. The claim says, “Walking barefoot on the earth (grounding) has been shown to improve sleep, reduce pain, reduce stress, lower stress, increase heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity.”
Fact Check
Does walking barefoot on grass have health benefits?
Walking barefoot on grass, often referred to as “grounding” or “earthing,” has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Proponents claim that it can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being by reconnecting the body with the Earth’s natural electrical charges. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that grounding can reduce stress, lower pain levels, and improve mood.
What are the side effects of walking barefoot on grass?
Walking barefoot on grass can be beneficial, but it is also essential to be aware of potential risks. One of the primary concerns is the possibility of injuries from sharp objects such as glass, rocks, or thorns, which can cause cuts. Moreover, walking on contaminated surfaces can expose individuals to bacteria, fungi, or parasites, possibly leading to infections like athlete’s foot or hookworm. For those with allergies, grass pollen can trigger allergic reactions, leading to discomfort or respiratory issues. Temperature sensitivity is another factor to consider, as extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can harm bare feet. Therefore, while the practice can have positive effects, we recommend to take precautions to avoid these potential hazards.
Does walking barefoot on grass alone improve sleep?
To some extent. Walking is a physical activity which improves mood, reduces stress and eventually may improve sleep. But, it alone may not solve sleep problems in people having chronic sleep issues. People with long-term problems need professional attention to make improvements instead of just relying upon one solution. Also, its impractical for a major chunk of the population to find a green walking area.
The claim that walking barefoot on grass improves sleep originates from the idea that grounding can normalise circadian rhythms, reduce cortisol levels, and promote relaxation. Limited research supports the notion that grounding can positively affect sleep. For instance, a 2012 study found that grounding during sleep improved sleep quality and reduced pain and stress.
However, we need more rigorous scientific studies to conclusively determine the effectiveness of grounding specifically through walking barefoot on grass in improving sleep. The placebo effect and individual differences might also play significant roles in perceived benefits.
What does a doctor say about walking barefoot on grass for addressing sleep issues?
We checked with Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, for his opinion on walking barefoot on grass for sleep problems. He states, “Walking barefoot on grass, or earthing, can help reduce stress and improve mood, likely to help in better sleep. However, it can also expose you to hazards like sharp objects, infections and allergens.”
Dr Rahman further says, “I believe earthing can be beneficial, but it’s not a substitute for medical care if you have long-term sleep issues. It alone may not solve your insomnia or sleeping problems. Persistent sleep problems require proper medical assessment. To improve sleep, I recommend maintaining a regular schedule, creating a comfortable environment, limiting screen time, practicing relaxation techniques, and making healthy lifestyle choices. If you continue to have sleep difficulties, please consult your physician.”
Why is sleep so important?
Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Insufficient sleep is a common and serious problem that affects people of all ages (women and older people are more vulnerable), leading to high costs for society. It causes many health issues, such as heart problems, diabetes, weight gain, poor thinking skills, and more accidents at work and on the road. The widespread use of smartphones and electronic devices makes the situation worse. Teenagers who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to gain weight and feel depressed.
Adequate sleep supports:
- Cognitive function: Sleep enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and concentration.
- Emotional health: Proper sleep regulates mood and helps manage stress.
- Physical health: Sleep helps in muscle repair, immune function, and hormone regulation.
- Performance and safety: Good sleep improves productivity and reduces the risk of accidents.
In another post, someone claimed that interrupted sleep could indicate poor liver health, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this. Even though sleep is undeniably important for both liver health and overall well-being, waking up during the night doesn’t automatically mean your liver is unhealthy.
What are the proven methods to improve sleep?
To improve sleep, consider these medically approved methods:
- Sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities, such as reading or taking a warm bath.
- Sleep environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
- Screen exposure: Reduce blue light exposure from phones and computers at least an hour before bedtime.
- Exercise: Physical activity (you may choose to walk too) during the day can promote better sleep at night.
- Diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
- Stress: Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Quit smoking and alcohol: Alcohol and smoking can lead to sleep problems in the longer run. Nicotine in tobacco disrupts sleep and can also give rise sleep problems like sleep apnea and snoring. Alcohol can cause insomnia. While temporarily you may feel like it helps you sleep, but in the long-term it causes disrupted sleep, makes it difficult to go back to sleep, also disturbs Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep.
How can you safely try grounding?
If you want to try walking barefoot on grass, follow these tips:
- Choose safe locations: Walk on clean, well-maintained grassy areas to avoid injuries or infections.
- Start gradually: Begin with short periods and gradually increase your grounding time.
- Inspect your path: Check for sharp objects and allergens before walking.
- Consider alternatives: If outdoor grounding is impractical, try indoor methods like using grounding mats or sheets.
In conclusion, walking barefoot on grass shows promise, but experts recommend consulting healthcare professionals for sleep issues. A neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist can provide advice and treatment options especially customised for you.
Walking barefoot on grass, or grounding, may offer sleep benefits for some individuals. But it may not solve chronic sleep issues or underlying conditions leading to sleep problems. Moreover, the scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)