Short answer: Are grounding mats safe? For most healthy adults, yes, when the mat is plugged into a correctly wired, grounded outlet. The mat does not use electricity. Test your outlet first, unplug during lightning storms, and ask your doctor first if you take blood thinners or thyroid medicine, or have a pacemaker.
Key takeaways
- A grounding mat connects only to the ground part of an outlet. It does not carry power.
- The main safety risk is a badly wired outlet, so test it before you use the mat.
- Unplug the mat during lightning storms, and do not use appliances with damaged cords while grounded.
- Talk to your doctor first if you take blood thinners or thyroid medicine, have a pacemaker or are pregnant.
- Research on grounding safety is small. Serious problems have not been reported in the studies, but that is not proof of safety for everyone.
Are grounding mats safe for most people?
Yes, for most healthy adults a grounding mat is a low risk habit when it is set up the right way. It is a bit like standing barefoot on grass, only indoors.
The mat plugs into the round grounding hole of a 3 prong outlet. That hole connects to the ground wire in your home, which normally carries no current. No electricity flows into the mat, so it does not get warm, hum or buzz. If you are new to grounding, our simple guide to using a grounding mat shows the setup step by step.
Can a grounding mat shock you?
A grounding mat cannot shock you on its own, because it is not powered. Shock risk comes from two rare situations: a wiring fault in the outlet, or touching a faulty appliance while you are grounded.
Think of it like touching a metal faucet. Being connected to ground is normal, but if a broken lamp or heater leaks electricity, a grounded body can become a path for that current. That is why the simple steps below matter.
How to use a grounding mat safely: a 5 step checklist
These steps take a few minutes and cover the most common safety questions.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Test the outlet | Plug in an outlet tester and check the lights | Shows if the outlet is grounded and wired correctly |
| 2. Use the right hole | Plug the cord only into a standard grounded outlet | The mat should connect to ground, not to power |
| 3. Check the cord | Look for cuts or bent plugs on the grounding cord | A damaged cord can fail or create a trip hazard |
| 4. Unplug in storms | Unplug the mat when there is lightning nearby | A simple step many people take with home electronics |
| 5. Keep faulty devices away | Do not use appliances with frayed cords while grounded | Avoids giving leaking current a path through you |
Old homes often have 2 prong outlets or outlets that look grounded but are not. If your tester shows a fault, use a different outlet and ask an electrician to take a look. You can also touch a conductivity pen to the mat to check that the connection is working.
Who should ask a doctor before using a grounding mat?
If you take certain medicines, have an implanted device or are pregnant, ask your doctor first. This is not because grounding is known to be harmful. It is because some people have reported changes, and little research covers these groups.
| Situation | What we know | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) | A 2012 review said grounding with Coumadin should be supervised by a doctor, citing reports of changed clotting test results | Ask your doctor, and keep up with your usual blood tests |
| Thyroid medicine | The same review mentioned reports of heart palpitations in some people on thyroid medicine after they started grounding | Ask your doctor before you start |
| Pacemaker or other implanted device | No studies have looked at this | Ask your cardiologist or the device maker |
| Pregnancy | No studies have looked at this | Ask your doctor or midwife |
| Children | No studies in children | Ask your pediatrician, and supervise use |
Are there side effects of grounding mats?
No serious side effects have been reported in the published grounding studies, but those studies are small and short. So the honest answer is that we do not have a full picture yet.
Online, people sometimes ask about headaches, tingling or trouble sleeping in the first few days. We know of no study that has looked at these reports. If something feels off, take a break or try shorter sessions, then build up slowly. Our guide on how long to use a grounding mat each day has a gentle starter schedule.
What does the research say about grounding safety?
The research is limited and mostly looks at possible benefits, not safety. Here is what a few real papers say.
- A 2012 review of earthing research noted that grounding together with the blood thinner Coumadin may add to its blood thinning effect and should be supervised by a doctor. It also mentioned reports from people on thyroid medicine.
- A 2013 study of 10 healthy adults found that 2 hours of grounding reduced red blood cell clumping. This is one reason doctors may want to know if you take blood thinners. The authors disclosed ties to companies that sell earthing products.
- A 2020 review counted about 20 studies on earthing. Many are small, and several authors work in this field.
In short: no study has shown that grounding mats are dangerous for healthy adults, but large, independent safety studies do not exist yet. For a wider look at the research, read Do grounding mats really work?
Is it safe to leave a grounding mat plugged in?
Yes. The mat does not draw power, so it can stay plugged in day and night. Many people still choose to unplug it during lightning storms or when they go away for a while.
Keep the cord where nobody will trip on it. A 15 ft grounding cord can help you run it along a wall instead of across a walkway.
"I love this mat! Super easy to use, appears very durable and I feel so relaxed with it."
Rebecca, GAYA Grounding Mat review
Are grounding mats safe for pets and the home?
Many pets like to lie on a grounding mat, and that is fine. The bigger concern is a pet that chews cords, so keep the cord out of reach.
To keep the mat in good shape, wipe it with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Do not soak it or use harsh cleaners, and let it dry before you use it again.
Start grounding with peace of mind
The GAYA Grounding Mat starts at $69.90. It uses a conductive carbon surface with a non slip base and comes with a 15 ft cord. Two mat bundles include an outlet tester, a conductivity pen and an extra grounding cord, so you can check your setup from day one. For the bedroom, see the Grounding Mat for Bed, Grounding Fitted Sheets and Grounding Bed Sheet.
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Frequently asked questions
Are grounding mats safe to sleep on?
For most healthy adults, yes, as long as the outlet is wired correctly. The mat does not use electricity, and one small study had people sleep grounded every night for 8 weeks. For the bed, many people use a Grounding Mat for Bed or Grounding Fitted Sheets.
Can a grounding mat shock you?
A grounding mat does not carry power, so it cannot shock you by itself. The risk comes from a wiring fault in the outlet or from touching a faulty appliance while you are grounded. Test your outlet first and unplug the mat during lightning storms.
Is it safe to use a grounding mat with a pacemaker?
There is no research on grounding mats and pacemakers. A grounding mat does not send electricity into the body, but every device is different. Ask your cardiologist or the device maker before you start.
Can I use a grounding mat if I take blood thinners?
Ask your doctor first. A 2012 review of earthing research said that grounding combined with the blood thinner Coumadin should be supervised by a doctor, because of reports of changes in blood clotting tests.
Is a grounding mat safe for pets?
Many pets like to lie on a grounding mat. The main risk is chewing. Keep the cord out of reach of pets that chew, and check the mat and cord for damage now and then.
Are grounding mats safe during pregnancy?
No studies have looked at grounding during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife before you start, like you would with any new wellness habit.
More from the Grounding Resources blog
- Do grounding mats really work? An honest look at the research
- How to use a grounding mat: a simple daily guide
- How long to use a grounding mat each day
- Grounding mat vs grounding sheet: which one is right for you?
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making changes, especially if you have a medical device or condition.
Written by Michael Reyes for the GAYA Team. GAYA makes grounding products for calm, everyday living. Our team reads the research and answers customer questions every day. Our goal is to help you decide honestly, whether or not you buy from us.
Photo: Unsplash.