Earthing: How I helped my insomnia (and a Giveaway!)
2012
So… back to my insomnia.
As I said, I’ve struggled with sleep a lot. About two months ago I was having a really bad week. After my fifth day of only two hours I was at my wits end. I was so frustrated, so overwhelmed, and Just. So. Tired. I’ve struggled with restless legs for a long time. I often just felt a buzzing in my body… an overload of unsettled energy. I had a hunch that I needed to get connected to the earth. (After all, I live on the third floor.) The problem: It was cold and I live on the third floor. The thought of throwing off my shoes seemed a little insane in the middle of the winter.
So I bought some earthing sheets. I figured, “what do I have to lose?” The first night I felt a slight warm tingling sensation in my legs (which I hear is normal). I also felt a heaviness in my limbs like I’ve never felt before. I slept much deeper. I fell asleep much faster. I still woke up a couple of times (I have a very loud baby who sometimes screams out in her sleep), but I would fall asleep within 5 – 15 minutes (instead of the usual two hours).
It was a miracle.
Or was it?
We were designed to be part of the earth—part of the natural cycle of things. The more I read about how things “used to be,” the more I realize that our bodies are meant to be way more in sync with the rhythms of nature than we are currently living. (If you really want to feel your hippie love check out lunaception.) The idea of not being connected to the earth is really new. And it’s really messing with our bodies.
I knew that my insomnia was probably rooted in a hormonal imbalances. Both melatonin and Cortisol are prime components of our body’s sleep rhythms. Look at this chart on how grounding (earthing) helped normalize Cortisol levels:
Of course, I don’t need a chart to tell me how I feel personally. For the past month, ever since I’ve been grounded during my sleep (and getting as much barefoot time when the weather permits as possible) I have slept better than I have for as long as I can remember. Is every night perfect? No. Sometimes I still have a lot on my mind and if C wakes me up after 3 I may ponder for 20 or so minutes before dozing off again. But most days I am back to sleep within 5 minutes. I feel much more rested. I have much more energy. I feel more calm, less stressed, and more… well, grounded.
What do you have to lose?
Give yourself a little challenge. Spend more time with your bare feet on the earth. If you live near an ocean, walk on the shore. Find a grassy park and play a game of tag. Notice how you feel.
The more time you spend grounded the longer lasting the benefits. This is partly why I finally caved and bought the sheets. But even short and daily contact will help your body in the long run.
Want to learn more?
There is so much more to this whole “earthing” thing than I can write in a couple of posts (no matter how long they may seem.) The book, Earthing: The most important health discovery yet? can give you a better insight to the science and personal experiences behind this new (but ancient) concept.
And lucky for you guys, I am giving away one free copy of the book!
Want to win? Here’s how to enter:
Mandatory entry: All you need to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite thing to do to connect to the earth.
Want to improve your chances?
Complete any of these additional steps for up to 6 extra entries.
Remember to leave a separate comment for each step you do!
- “Like” Thank Your Body on Facebook. (Or tell me that you already do!)
- Follow me on Twitter. (Or tell me that you already do!)
- Follow me on Pinterest. (Or tell me that you already do!)
- Blog about this giveaway (with a link to this post).
- Tweet about this giveaway.
- Post a link to this giveaway on facebook.
The giveaway will close on April 13th, 2012 at midnight (MST). I will announce the winner (chosen randomly) on Monday, April 16th. Winner must contact me within 48 hours to claim prize so be sure to come back and see if you won!
Related posts:
34 comments
Trackback e pingback
-
April Challenge Week 2: How’s it going? | | Thank Your BodyThank Your Body
[...] Don’t forget today is the last day to enter the giveaway! [...] -
Rearview mirror – pomodoro, dryer balls, earthing « Adding Things Up
[...] tried to) cut stress before, and the sleep impacts have never been this dramatic. Shout out to Robin at ... -
Can being too healthy hurt your health? | | Thank Your BodyThank Your Body
[...] here’s the thing… recently I’ve struggled with some health issues. My insomnia has kicked back into high gear. I ...
I just started trying to spend time every day in my garden. I haven’t done it barefoot yet (new goal, eliminate the sticker-weeds from the yard!) but I *LOVE* the feeling of my hands in earth and compost.
I already follow you on Pinterest
just found your blog yesterday through crunchy betty, and I’m a fan already! I get my grounding time in the garden, too. my husband is the master gardener, but I am the master mulcher
I love the ocean and the way the sand rubs on your feet. Even more, I love being in a forest (never done it barefoot) but I’ve always had a thing for the energy of trees. I’m going out barefoot today!
I liked you on Facebook
I follow you on Pinterest.
I love hiking/camping, and I also love gardening. Next week is our first hiking trip of the year, and I cannot wait.
I already follow you on Pinterest. That’s how I found your blog.
Really interested in this concept and would love to read the book! My 2 year old and I played barefoot in the sprinkler today! We love getting outside.
I really, really love being barefoot. It’s one of the best things about summertime. Except my shower floor gets a bit dirtier…
I also like to garden and just sit outside on the grass.
And I already like you on facebook.
And already follow you on Pinterest. Boo-yah!
And now I follow you on Twitter!
I just like walking outside-barefoot feels so good!
I like TYB on Facebook
I follow you on pinterest
I love to lay on grass, and of course I’m barefoot! I just love feeling the texture, and smelling the dirt and soaking in whatever warmth has accumulated there from the sun. Whoa. That sounded hippy-ish.
But it’s still true.
I follow tyb on fb.
my favorite way to ground myself is by lying on my back in the grass, staring up into the sky (day or night), or staring up into the leaves of a tree.
that or walking along the beach.
“liked” on facebook
i now have a pinterest account, so now i follow you there! so excited about the recipes
linked on fb
linked on my blog
http://dreamerdancer.blogspot.com/2012/04/earthing.html
I liked you on facebook
I like to lay on the grass in the sun to ground myself. I took a nap on the grass just yesterday and it was the most rejuvenating thing.
I find myself best grounded after I get and/or give a nice big hug!
I liked you on Facebook too
Hi Robin! I’ve been enjoying reading your blog lately! I live in NYC, so I honestly don’t spend a lot of time barefoot, unless I’m in our apartment. We always leave our shoes by the front door though so our indoor time is spent sans shoes. And as far as connecting to the earth, it may sound simple, but I spend a lot of time at the local parks breathing the fresh air all seasons of the year.
I follow you on Pinterest!
Hi Robin! I just want to say that I really love your blog and all the awesome information you provide, thanks so much for all you do
I am very interested to try some earthing to help my insomnia because I do wake up a few times throughout the night, and like you before, it often takes me hours to fall back asleep… it’s so frustrating! My favourite way to connect to the earth has to be going to the beach and swimming in the lake in the summer! But I also love hanging out on some lovely grass and in the forest. I already follow you on fb- I obviously want to be up to speed on all your posts! Thanks again!
Thanks, Heather! I’d also make sure your are taking care of your body in terms of metabolic health. I found that earthing did a lot to help, but that I also needed to watch my water intake (I was drinking too much), and get enough natural sugars to keep my stress hormones down (as they are the usual suspects in late night wakings.) Good luck!