Feeling Frazzled? Grounding Could Be the Chill Pill You Need

Abstract

Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of grounding on sleep quality, stress levels, and pain in individuals with chronic pain.

Context: Grounding, or earthing, has been proposed as a natural therapy for various health conditions, but its efficacy remains unclear, particularly in chronic pain populations.

Methods Used: 60 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomly assigned to either a grounded or sham-grounded (placebo) group for 4 weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), stress levels were measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Researchers' Summary of Findings: Compared to the sham group, the grounded group showed significant improvements in sleep quality (mean PSQI score reduction of 2.1 points, p < 0.01), reduced perceived stress levels (mean PSS score reduction of 3.5 points, p < 0.05), and lower pain intensity (mean VAS score reduction of 1.8 points, p < 0.05).

Health Implications: Grounding may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and alleviating pain in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. These findings support the potential use of grounding as an adjunctive treatment for chronic pain management.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.03.022