Can a Grounding Mat Really Improve Sleep Quality? | Sleep Review

Nov 08, 2024

Nov 6, 2024 | Quality | 0 |

Summary: A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences investigates the impact of a grounding mat on sleep quality. Participants were divided into control and grounding groups to assess the mat’s effects on REM and non-REM sleep, waking time, hormone levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Findings showed that those who used the grounding mat for 21 days had improved sleep metrics, including increased REM and non-REM sleep time, reduced wakefulness, lowered orexin hormone levels (which can disrupt sleep), and elevated levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, indicating reduced oxidative stress.

Key Takeaways:

A grounding mat could be a possible non-pharmacological solution for improving sleep quality, according to a study investigating the effectiveness of a grounding mat developed by sleep and healthcare brand Dr. Friend.

The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, draws attention to grounding mats as a method to reduce the influence of external factors commonly encountered in modern society, such as electromagnetic waves, to promote deeper and more comfortable sleep. Dr. Friend, in collaboration with Kyung Hee University Medical School, conducted the study.

The participants were divided into four groups to measure sleep quality: a normal control group, a seven-day grounding group, a 21-day grounding group, and an electrical exposure group. Changes were analyzed in waking time, REM and non-REM sleep times, and the levels of orexin hormone involved in the sleep-wake cycle.

According to the results, the group that used the grounding mat for 21 days showed a significant improvement in sleep quality, with a 15% reduction in waking time, an 80% increase in REM sleep time, and a 78% increase in non-REM sleep time. Compared to the control group, these results demonstrate a positive overall sleep depth and quality improvement.

Conversely, the electrical exposure group exposed to electromagnetic waves showed a 7% increase in waking time, indicating that electromagnetic waves could deteriorate sleep quality. This highlights the need for Grounding Mat to reduce the negative effects of electronic devices in modern society.

Notable changes were also observed in the levels of the orexin hormone. Orexin plays a critical role in maintaining wakefulness, and excessive secretion can interfere with sleep. The study found that the group that used the grounding mat for seven days experienced a 33% reduction in orexin levels, while the group that used it for 21 days showed a 46% reduction, suggesting the grounding mat could contribute to improving sleep quality by suppressing orexin secretion.

In addition, the level of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase increased by about 20% in the 21-day grounding group. Superoxide dismutase plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and protecting the body’s cells. This result is considered significant in that the grounding mat may help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system.

“So far, benzodiazepines and barbiturates have been commonly used to address sleep disorders and insomnia, but these drugs are accompanied by side effects such as dependency, cognitive impairment, and residual sedative effects during the day, making them difficult to be considered a fundamental solution,” says Dr. Friend CEO Yong-suk Kim in a release. “This study demonstrated the grounding mat’s potential as a non-pharmacological sleep improvement method with few side effects.”

Based on this research outcome, Dr. Friend plans to position itself as a global healthcare solution brand that supports healthy sleep and preventive health improvement.

Photo caption: Dr. Friend grounding mat

Photo credit: Dr. Friend

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