body grounding/earthing--actual science?

[maize]

This was mentioned in a book on better sleep, I'm wondering if there is actual scientific research to back it up.

 

In-a-nutshell the idea is that we insulate ourselves too much from the earth/ground and this allows unhealthy electrical charges to build up in our bodies.

[Bluegoat]

Wouldn't they discharge any time we were touching things?

[Greta]

Wouldn't they discharge any time we were touching things?

 

 

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.  Electrical charges move very rapidly when given the chance.  A split second of grounding is all it would take.  Right?

[maize]

Wouldn't they discharge any time we were touching things?

If we touch something that is itself grounded yes.

 

 

But if everything we touch is insulated from the ground I suppose both we and that thing could be carrying a different charge (say, a bed we are sleeping on at night...)

 

And...does that matter?

 

Most of the other stuff in this book seems like standard advice (sleep in a dark, cool place, avoid blue light exposure around bedtime/in the bedroom, etc.)

 

This was the only thing that made me wonder if there is actual research to back it up or if it just someone's pet pseudoscience theory.

Edited February 26, 2017 by maize

[regentrude]

Physically, this is utter nonsense.

 

First, you do not normally carry a net charge (unless you experiment with static electricity and make your hair stand up. As soon as you touch something, that charge goes away. )

Second, if you were charged, you would be grounded immediately when you touch something that is grounded. Any household appliance that is made of metal and plugged in with a 3 pronged plug is grounded. Thus, you get grounded every time you touch your washing machine, toaster, stove, etc. Any time you touch the ground outside you are grounded. Water coming into your house through a pipe is grounded - any time you wash your hands, do the dishes, or shower you are grounded. 

Edited February 26, 2017 by regentrude

[Katy]

There's not scientific evidence in the electrical/new age/woo hoo sense.

 

However, getting out in nature, doing sensory activities such as walking in the grass can have a meditative effect that is good for you and there is plenty of science to back up that.

[regentrude]

However, getting out in nature, doing sensory activities such as walking in the grass can have a meditative effect that is good for you and there is plenty of science to back up that.

 

Absolutely!

And the effect is more than meditative; there are all kinds of tangible benefits to spending time in nature outside.

 

But it has nothing to do with "unhealthy electric charges" accumulating on the body.

[bettyandbob]

Absolutely!

And the effect is more than meditative; there are all kinds of tangible benefits to spending time in nature outside.

 

But it has nothing to do with "unhealthy electric charges" accumulating on the body.

 

Daily outdoor time, has been shown to have positive health effects. It is especially good if you can be in green space. An hour long hike in the woods is not necessary to benefit. 

 

But I agree the benefits have nothing to do with accumulation of electrical charges--that just sounds like wishy washy voodoo.