How Earthing Improved My Child’s Sleep – Case Study
Paula, mother of two, used to feel awful waking up her 14-year-old daughter Ella for school. Despite spending plenty of time in bed, Ella often woke looking exhausted and struggled to find the energy for school and everyday activities.
Paula says:
‘It was hard to get her ready for school. I’d wake her up in the morning and she would sleep for at least another half an hour. It was an effort and struggle just to get her out of bed.’
‘Once out of bed, Ella was grumpy and tired. She didn’t even enjoy the thought of the exciting things she would do that day.’
Sleep difficulties can affect the whole family, particularly when a child wakes feeling tired despite spending plenty of time in bed. For Paula, finding ways to support Ella’s sleep became an important priority.
‘The lack of quality sleep had a huge effect on Ella’s emotions and her energy for the day. She just wasn’t able to cope with her day to day routine and what was expected of a young girl at school.’
Struggling with Sleep from an Early Age
Ella’s poor sleep wasn’t a recent thing.
‘Ella was always a really bad sleeper, even as a baby. She would sleep all day and then be awake all night. She would go to bed really late and wake up really late in the morning.’
Discovering Earthing
When Paula heard about earthing and how it could improve sleep, she decided to set up Ella’s bed with an earthing undersheet.
After one night of sleeping earthed, Paula noticed a big difference in Ella’s energy.
‘Literally the next morning she woke and looked at me and said ‘oh hi mum!’ And I actually got her out of her bed and started doing all the routine things she is meant to do in the morning. She got dressed and came downstairs chatty and ready for breakfast. She wasn’t this half asleep zombie-like child. This was really cool because as a mum I have a tight deadline in the morning to get my kids fed and dressed and out door by 7AM.’
More Energy for School and Sport
Five weeks on, Ella continues to sleep well and has much more energy during the day.
‘She isn’t tossing and turning or waking up throughout the night and then trying to get settled again.’
‘It’s just phenomenal the difference it makes in her getting through her school day, which is a big day.’
‘Her energy levels used to be around a three or four out of ten (with ten being very energetic). Now she is at least a seven or even a nine.’
‘The last few afternoons she’s been doing soccer for sports. When she gets home at 5:30pm in the afternoon, she’s insisting on playing a full hour of soccer with her Dad and he’s exhausted! But she just won’t slow down. She’s full of energy. So yeah a huge difference.’
What Does the Research Say About Earthing and Sleep?
Researchers have investigated grounding’s potential effects on sleep, stress, recovery, and inflammation.
An early study reported improvements in sleep quality and changes in cortisol rhythms among participants who slept grounded (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004). Their findings suggested grounding may support healthier sleep patterns and the body’s natural day-night wake cycle.
Could Earthing Help Children Sleep Better?
Ella’s story is one family’s experience, but it reflects why many parents become interested in grounding as part of a broader wellbeing routine. Sleep difficulties can affect mood, energy levels, concentration, and day-to-day functioning, which is why some families explore grounding as one possible way to support better sleep. While individual experiences vary, researchers have explored grounding’s potential relationship with sleep quality, stress, and overall wellbeing.
If you’d like to learn more, explore the current research into grounding or read about earthing for sleep problems.
Many families also begin by encouraging children to spend time barefoot outdoors on natural surfaces such as grass, soil, or sand. Some families also choose to use indoor grounding products, such as underlays, to make grounding part of their child’s bedtime routine.
Earthing and Babies: Dr Laura Koniver’s Experience
Dr Laura Koniver, an integrative doctor and earthing advocate, has also shared her personal experience using grounding with her own daughter, who had severe colic as a baby.
Dr Koniver observed that her baby seemed calmer and more settled when she was in direct contact with her mother while her mother was standing barefoot on the earth. In Dr Koniver’s view, this contact with the earth may have contributed to the soothing effect she noticed.
In the documentary Down to Earth, Dr Koniver says:
‘Every time we were outside she relaxed. I noticed that every time she was in a stroller or we were in the car, she was still in pain and uncomfortable. This is no placebo effect. She had no idea of whether I was wearing shoes or not, I was holding her either way. I came to realise this child can only settle and be soothed when I was holding her against my skin and standing barefoot on the earth.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can grounding help children sleep better?
Some families explore grounding as part of their child’s bedtime routine. While personal experiences can be encouraging, more research is needed to better understand how grounding may affect sleep in children.
Is there research on grounding and sleep?
Several studies have explored grounding’s relationship with sleep quality, cortisol rhythms, and stress. While some findings are promising, research in this area is still developing.
Can children use grounding products?
Many families choose to use grounding products in the home. If you have questions about whether a product is suitable for your child’s individual circumstances, it is always sensible to seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Why do some people use grounding for sleep?
Grounding is often explored because of its potential relationship with relaxation, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing. Experiences vary from person to person.
Is grounding a treatment for sleep disorders?
No. Grounding products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent sleep disorders. They are typically used as part of a broader wellbeing approach.
Futher Reading
Ghaly M, Teplitz D. The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2004;10(5):767–776.
Oschman, James L, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2015. March 24.
