There are plenty of indoor grounding options available, especially when barefoot walking is inaccessible. Two of the most popular are grounding sheets and grounding mats, both of which serve the same functional purpose, connecting you to Earth’s electrical charge – grounding you.
And while both can help reduce chronic inflammation & fight free radicals, strengthen your immune system, and help you find emotional & spiritual balance, they’re designed for two different sets of users. Quite simply, you sleep on earthing sheets (full-body contact) whereas you must stand on earthing mats (feet-only contact). One provides an all-night solution; the other is a more portable option for work and other areas of the home.
Those are the highlights – let’s break down this debate: grounding mats vs. grounding sheets.
What are the Main Differences Between Grounding Sheets and Mats?
Both grounding sheets and mats facilitate a grounded connection to the Earth’s electrical charge, though their design and functionality vary slightly. The sheets are a typical cotton sheet fabric but are interwoven with silver or carbon threads. These fitted earthing sheets cover the entire bed for 6-8 hours of full-body grounding whilst you sleep.
Grounding mats, on the other hand, are typically made from conductive rubber or leather, and are more portable and versatile than sheets. Most people opt to place them underneath their desk at work or their feet while on the couch. The mat is designed to keep you grounded all day during stressful work moments, while the at-home use on the couch is meant to help you unwind after a long day. Because of their size, mats are generally more affordable and easier to maintain, though they’re much smaller than sheets, limiting you to just being able to stand on them.
Earthing Sheets
Earthing bed sheets connect the body to the Earth's natural electrical charge while sleeping. And because you’re laying directly on top of them as you sleep, you remain grounded the entire time. It’s essentially a passive form of grounding, requiring zero effort. Because more of your body’s surface area is grounded, compared to just your feet with a mat, the sheets are arguably more effective.
Among the other benefits of using grounding sheets, you’ll likely experience longer, fuller nights of sleep, as well as reduced inflammation, and more physical & emotional energy in the mornings as you awake. At the end of the day, more of your physical body is in contact for longer with grounding sheets than grounding mats. And yes, grounding sheets are 100% safe, even when used for 8+ hours. And if you’re struggling with significant inflammation or other medical conditions that modern medicine can’t seem to aid, sleeping on earthing sheets for a few nights will likely take effect more quickly than standing on a mat for just a few hours per day.
It’s simple math, really. Sleeping on a sheet for one week, averaging 7 hours of sleep per night will result in 49 hours of grounding over the course of the week (7 days x 7 hours/night). Just based on the location of it, you’ll likely spend less time with your feet on a grounding mat. Even at 2-4 hours each day for an entire week, that will only add up to 14-28 hours of grounding for an entire week (7 days x 2-4 hours/day).
Earthing Mats
Earthing mats are portable grounding devices that can be used in multiple locations, such as under desks or on the floor of your kitchen or living room. Their primary function is to keep you grounded during the most stressful parts of your day (at work), and help you find balance after the fact (at home).
Compared to grounding sheets, mats are more affordable and easier to maintain – you just need to scrub them down every once in a while, rather than washing the sheets in the laundry. However, they’re small, limiting the grounded contact point to just your feet. Generally, most people that are new to earthing start with a mat, then progress to sheets and other alternatives.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two:
|
Feature |
Grounding Sheets |
Grounding Mats |
|
Direct Skin Contact |
Not required, but preferred |
Not required, but preferred |
|
Replaces Normal Sheets |
Yes |
No |
|
Maintenance |
Wash weekly |
Lightly scrub weekly |
|
Grounding Time |
6-8 hours |
2-3 hours |
|
Material |
Cotton threads interwoven with silver, carbon, or stainless steel threads |
Leather or rubber |
|
Portability |
Confined to bed, though can easily be transported for use in hotels, Airbnbs, guest rooms, etc. |
Can be used anywhere |
Ultimately, both earthing sheets and mats will serve your grounding needs, connecting you to the Earth’s energy. For those new to this ancient form of medicine, a mat is probably the best place to start for indoor grounding. Place it under your desk or near your couch so that you can conveniently balance yourself for at least 1-2 hours each day. For those who prefer longer grounding periods, the sheets are the perfect option! They’re great for anyone with serious inflammation and/or emotional fluctuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better, a grounding mat or sheet?
The choice between a grounding mat and sheet depends on individual needs: mats are more portable and versatile for daytime use, while sheets provide extended full-body contact during sleep for potentially greater health benefits.
When should you not use a grounding mat?
Grounding mats should not be used during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning strikes.
Can you overuse a grounding mat?
There is no evidence suggesting that you can overuse a grounding mat, but regular usage is recommended for optimal benefits.
What is the best material for grounding?
The best materials for grounding are those that are conductive, such as rubber or leather for mats and cotton interwoven with silver or carbon threads for sheets.