Salt stomping: the sleep hack that might be a really good placebo

I’ve been chasing sleep like it’s a particularly elusive tech startup. Magnesium? Monthly subscription, naturally. A social media blocker to combat Love Island obsession? Brick my phone an hour before bed – a surprisingly effective tactic.

The latest trend: salt stomping

Now, the latest sleep ‘hack’ is dominating feeds – salt stomping. It sounds absurd, and frankly, it is. The premise is simple: pour Epsom salts onto a tray, stand on it for ten minutes, and apparently, you’ll lower cortisol, boost serotonin, and prime yourself for a deep slumber. But is there any actual merit to this earthy ritual?

Dr. Jacqueline Geer, a sleep medicine specialist at Yale, explains that the core of the practice lies in ‘grounding’ – a concept rooted in the idea that connecting with the earth can reduce inflammation and calm anxiety. Studies have shown that mindful activities before bed can improve sleep quality, often utilized in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The act of focusing on the sensation of the salt crystals on your feet, she notes, acts as a distraction from racing thoughts – essentially, a gentle neurological reset.

The reality: it’s probably just mindfulness

Here’s the blunt truth: scientific evidence supporting salt stomping’s efficacy is, to put it mildly, nonexistent. Experts believe the reported benefits are largely psychological. Chris Winter, a neurologist and sleep specialist, highlights potential risks – skin irritation, worsened foot cracks, and the possibility of bacterial infection. Proceed with extreme caution, if you’re inclined to experiment. It’s a remarkably low barrier to entry for a potentially irritating outcome.

What’s more likely is that people experiencing success with salt stomping are simply reaping the rewards of the focused mindfulness and sensory experience. It’s a distraction, a tangible action that pushes aside the anxieties swirling in your head. The bath salts variant – utilizing the warmth and gentle immersion – actually has some basis in research concerning body temperature regulation and its impact on sleep.

So, I'll stick with my magnesium and my diligently bricked phone. My dream? A claw-foot tub big enough for a nightly ritual. One day. If you're curious about a trend, send an email to Vogue’s beauty editor at [email protected]. Let’s see what they think of a little salt-induced grounding.”n