Grounding and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Can It Help?
Is Grounding Helpful for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Yes, grounding may help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Early research suggests that grounding can improve sleep quality, support healthier nervous system function, and promote better blood flow. All of these effects are important in managing fatigue and restoring energy balance in the body.
Grounding is not a cure, but it offers a simple, low-cost practice that can work alongside other treatments. For individuals with CFS, every small improvement in sleep or stress regulation can make daily life easier.
Why Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Hard to Manage?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a long-term condition marked by extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest. People living with CFS often struggle with post-exertional malaise, disrupted sleep, difficulty focusing, memory issues, and nervous system problems. These symptoms can shift in intensity, making CFS unpredictable and difficult to manage.
Treatment usually involves lifestyle adjustments, pacing of activities, and targeted therapies. Doctors may recommend medications for specific symptoms, sleep strategies, or supportive therapies like counselling. Grounding is now being studied as an additional method that is accessible, safe, and may help support recovery by reducing stress and inflammation.
How Does Grounding Work for Fatigue?
Grounding, also called earthing, means making direct contact with the Earth—through bare feet on grass or sand, or with conductive devices indoors. The practice is thought to transfer electrons from the Earth into the body, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Grounding may help fatigue in several ways:
- Cortisol balance: It may help regulate the stress hormone cycle, which supports steady energy and resilience throughout the day.
- Better blood flow: Grounding has been linked to lower blood viscosity, which allows oxygen and nutrients to move more efficiently through the body.
- Improved sleep: Regular grounding is associated with faster sleep onset and deeper sleep cycles.
- Inflammation control: It may help lower inflammatory responses, which are linked to fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive issues.
What Does the Research Say?
Some studies provide evidence that grounding could support those with fatigue conditions like CFS. In this table, you will see a summary of their findings.
| Study | Participants | Methodology | Key Findings | Relevance to Fatigue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghaly & Teplitz (2004) | 12 adults with insomnia | Grounded bedding for 8 weeks | Balanced cortisol rhythms and lower stress | Hormone balance may reduce fatigue |
| Chevalier et al. (2015) | 40 adults | One-hour grounding sessions with mats | Improved blood flow and oxygen supply | Better circulation may ease tiredness |
| Stefaniak & Brózik (2022) | Review of studies | Analysed clinical findings | Found improved sleep and reduced inflammation | Suggests grounding supports fatigue management |
| Sokal & Sokal (2011) | 60 participants | Physiological monitoring with grounding | Reported changes in blood chemistry and immune activity | May explain improvements in energy and resilience |
Is Grounding Safe for People With CFS?
Yes, grounding is considered safe for people with CFS. Since many with CFS have limited energy, indoor grounding tools such as mats, sheets, or patches can be especially helpful. These allow individuals to experience grounding benefits while resting.
There are no major safety risks reported in the literature. Importantly, grounding should not replace medical treatment but can be added as a complementary strategy. Safety for people with CFS is similar to other groups under physical stress, including postpartum women recovering from childbirth, who face hormone shifts, inflammation, and disrupted sleep. In both cases, grounding appears safe and potentially helpful in supporting recovery.
How Can Someone Try Grounding?
- Grounding sheets or mats: Use while sleeping or lying down to gain benefits during rest.
- Barefoot walking outdoors: Spend 15–30 minutes daily on natural surfaces like grass, soil, or sand.
- Combine with relaxation: Pair grounding with light stretching, breathing techniques, or mindfulness to enhance its calming effect.
- Stay consistent: Practising grounding regularly may produce better results over time.
Final Thoughts
Grounding may provide meaningful support for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It appears to help with sleep, inflammation, and circulation, all of which are central to managing fatigue.
While research is ongoing and more large studies are needed, grounding is safe, affordable, and easy to integrate into daily life. For those living with CFS, grounding could be a practical addition to a comprehensive care plan focused on energy conservation and recovery.
If you're currently experiencing CFS, our grounding bedsheets and mats are worth a try.
References
- Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., & Delany, R. M. (2015). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83–96. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S69656
- Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biological 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, 10(5), 767–776. https://doi.org/10.1089/1075553041323796
- Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(4), 301–308. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0687
- Stefaniak, A., & Brózik, M. (2022). Grounding as a method of supporting the treatment of non-communicable diseases. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20(6), 486–493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2022.07.005
