How Do Grounding Mats Work?- The Ultimate Guide

Have you heard of the benefits of grounding but don’t know how you can possibly spare the time to get out in nature and connect with the Earth every day? Maybe you struggle with poor sleep, aches and pains, and high stress levels. 

Dealing with this on the daily can be super frustrating.

I myself have struggled with poor sleep and have tried what feels like everything under the sun to get myself to sleep and stay asleep.

It wasn’t until I started grounding (or earthing) which is the practice of having skin contact with the earth.

This could be sand, dirt,  grass, or even concrete. I found that I was finally able to sleep like a baby, however, getting outside everyday to ground is not always possible, especially for those of us that work indoors all day.

Grounding mats provide an easy and practical solution to this problem.

In this article I will reveal everything you need to know about grounding mats. Including what they are, how they work, and the science behind them. 

What is a Grounding Mat?

A grounding (or earthing) mat is a device that allows your body to soak up electrons from the earth, all in the convenience of your home or office.

This is done by hooking the mat up to the grounding port of an electrical socket in the wall.

The overall effect is that you are able to connect with the Earth’s electrical properties but without having to go outdoors. 

How Can a Grounding Mat Benefit Me?

If you work indoors and/or are around electronics all day, chances are you are not properly grounded.

When you ground, either outdoors (on sand, grass, or dirt) or when you use a grounding mat you can experience many benefits that can improve your overall health and wellness. 

Positives effects include, but are not limited to:

• increased energy levels
• improved sleep
• a reduction in stress levels
• a decrease in inflammation
• a decrease in chronic pain
• improved immune function
• better circulation
• improved mood

Grounding mats are a practical way to soak up more electrons to give your body the energy it needs to maintain an optimal level of health. These negative charges can then neutralize free radicals and act as an antioxidant.

Who knew!

How Do Grounding Mats Work?

Humans run on electricity. Our mitochondria (the battery of the cell) pass electrons down and electric transport chain, which ultimately creates the energy our bodies use to function. 

When we stay indoors and are surrounded by electronics all day, we can easily become electron-deficient. 

Grounding mats are made of highly conductive material and are plugged into the grounding port of an electrical outlet.

Therefore, this works the same way as if you were standing directly on the earth, but the electrons flow from the earth and through the electrical building, into the grounding mat first. 

Your body can then absorb much needed electrons directly from the mat until you are properly grounded.

There is also a decent amount of scientific research to back it up.

Using a Grounding Mat: Step-by-Step Instructions 

Grounding mats are conveniently easy to use. Most mats will come with a set of instructions, however, almost all of them are designed similarly and can be used in the same way.

If you’re new to this practice or just received your first grounding mat, you might be wondering about the best way to use it.

Follow these steps to ensure you’re maximizing the potential benefits of your grounding mat.

1. Select a Grounding Mat that Suits Your Unique Situation

There are many different grounding mats on the market. Some can be used while sleeping, in the office, or are portable. 

Some are larger and some are smaller for easier portability. It really all depends on your lifestyle, where and when you want to use it. 

For Office Use: 

It is best to consider a smaller mat that can fit under your keyboard or your feet. Also consider if you want to sit barefoot at work with your feet in direct contact.

If not, opt for under the keyboard. You can roll up your sleeved and have skin contact via your arms or hands. 

For Use in Bed:

A  larger size of mat is preferred, you can use it vertically (from head to foot) for a whole body experience, or horizontally (across the foot of your bed) for just foot contact. 

Be sure to look for a mat with straps to ensure it is secure and won’t shift around. 

2. Choose the Ideal Location 

Again, this depends on your lifestyle and where you intend to use the mat.  All mats will require nearby access to an outlet.

Most mats require a firmer surface, such as the floor or a table/desk.

3. Plug Your Grounding Mat Into The Outlet

Most mats will come with a simple cord with a single adaptor that simply plugs right into the grounding port of the outlet.

Most mats also come with optional adapters that can be used in different countries. So be sure to select the appropriate version depending on what kind of outlet you will be using. 

4. Have Skin Contact With the Mat

Once you have plugged the mat in and have turned it on, be sure to have direct skin contact with the material of the mat. 

Even a small amount of skin contact is beneficial. So if you are using a mat in bed, it is enough to just have bare feet.

Try to get at least 20 minutes a day. You can adjust this depending on how long it takes you to feel beneficial effects.

You can stay connected with the mat for several hours if you’d like. This includes overnight. 

Key Considerations For Successfully Grounding With a Grounding Mat

There are some other things you should keep in mind to maximize your grounding experience. 

• Most mats will have a grounding side and a neutral side. The grounding side is the side of the mat that is made of conductive material. The grounding side is usually the side that the grounding cord connects to via a metal snap button. 

• Make sure there is no water around the mat. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, try not to use the mat in an area that might be exposed to water, such as the bathroom. 

• If you have any electronic or metallic implants (such as a pacemaker or aneurysm clips) be sure to talk with your primary healthcare provider whether a grounding mat is appropriate for you. 

How To Make Sure the Grounding Mat is Working?

Most people will feel a beneficial effect within minutes of using their grounding mats, this includes an overall feeling of relaxation.

However, if you are not sure and want to test to ensure the mat is properly providing a negative charge, you can use a multimeter. 

Make sure you have plugged your mat into the proper grounding port of the outlet. Remember, these outlets have three slots: ground, live, and neutral. 

A multimeter measures AC voltage and resistance in electrical devices. 

Taking it to the Next Level: How to go Beyond Grounding with a Mat

Hydration

Ensuring you are well hydrated really helps the electrons flow! We all know that water is a conductor of electricity and that is true inside our bodies as well.

Get Some Natural Light

Besides just grounding, whether out in nature, or using a mat, there are other things you can do to help set your circadian rhythm. This includes getting exposure to natural light, especially early in the morning.

Artificial lighting is simultaneously not bright enough and too bright.

In the daytime we actually need bright light at a level that is only offered by natural lighting. In the evening once the sun goes down, artificial lighting is too bright. This can cause disruption of your circadian rhythm, affecting your sleep and energy throughout the day.

Movement

Try to get daily movement in as well. According to studies exercise can help stimulate the mitochondria and improve mitochondrial quality and function. If you have optimized batteries in your cells, then grounding can be more effective. 

Take Care of Your Fascia

Stretching can also help loosen up the fascia and encourage blood flow. It is known that  fascia is a semiconductor in the body, so keeping it in good working condition likely will enhance your grounding experience. 

Alternatives to Grounding Mats

There are other products out there that offer the same effects as grounding mats. Overall, what matters most is getting electrons into your body and practicing earthing often enough that you don’t wind up with  an electron deficiency. 

Earthing Sheets

Probably the closest alternative to grounding mats are grounding sheets. These work almost exactly like the mats with a conductive fabric and a cord that hooks up to the grounding port of the wall. Like the earthing mats, when in contact with your body, electrons flow from the grounding wire from that wall and into your body. 

Earthing Shoes

 Another neat alternative to grounding mats is earthing shoes. These are shoes made with conductive materials inserted into the soles and a metal piece that sticks through the sole.

This allows the wearer to connect with the Earth’s natural electric charge while walking on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt.

Just as grounding mats aim to reestablish our connection to the Earth’s electrons when indoors, earthing shoes serve a similar purpose while on the move.

They are a practical solution for those who want to reap the benefits of grounding but may not have the time or inclination to use a mat regularly.

PEMF Devices

 PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. PEMF therapy also works with your body’s electric field, but it works a bit differently. They offer many of the same benefits as grounding mats which include aiding in pain management and improving sleep. There are many different types of PEMF machines available, including mats. 

Wrapping Up and My Experience With Grounding 

Grounding has been shown to have many benefits.

I used to think that grounding was something only electricians should be interested in.

But ever since I started the practice of grounding, I have most definitely noticed better sleep (seriously, I sleep like a baby) and increased energy throughout the day. I have also noticed significantly less stress and anxiety along with reduced fatigue.

Grounding is definitely one of the many things I practice to improve my sleep. 

Grounding mats provide the much needed practicality to incorporate grounding into your everyday routine. They are incredibly practical and can be used while you are spending time with other daily activities. 

In my honest opinion, investing in a grounding mat is well worth the investment.