Why Are TikTok Users Crushing Epsom Salt Before Sleep?
Standing barefoot on mounds of Epsom salt before bedtime has taken TikTok by storm. Here’s what medical professionals and wellness experts say about this trend.
The practice of standing on Epsom salt involves being barefoot on the coarse salt for around 10 minutes nightly, often while engaging in skin care, according to Doreen Zarfati, a psychiatrist based in New York and the chief medical officer at Fountain.
Videos on TikTok typically depict the salt laid out on a baking sheet, towel, or shower floor. Many users claim that this ritual alleviates their anxiety and aids in falling asleep, as Zarfati discussed with Harper’s Bazaar.
What Does Science Say About Feet Soaking in Epsom Salt for Sleep?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence proving that soaking your feet in Epsom salt or standing on the salt crystals alters hormones, circulation, or sleep quality, though the meditative nature of the practice may provide benefits.
“There’s no data indicating that standing on salt crystals influences your serotonin or cortisol levels, nor is there proof that magnesium can be absorbed through the soles of your feet to reset your nervous system,” Zarfati shared. Jacqueline Geer, MD, an assistant professor of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, told Vogue that “the advantages [of standing on salt] stem from its requirement for focus and a temporary retreat from the hectic environment around us.” Geer added that non-stimulating, soothing activities before bed are connected to falling asleep more effortlessly.
Salt stomping can irritate the skin, exacerbate existing foot cracks, and potentially create tiny cuts that may allow bacteria to invade the body, cautioned Chris Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep expert at Pluto. He recommended considering bath salts instead, stating to Vogue that “the essential element is taking time to slow down, engage in a calming practice, and signal to your body that it’s time to unwind.” Research indicates that a warm bath can aid in this process, as it slightly raises body temperature, and the subsequent cooling down may indicate it’s time for sleep.
Why Does the Salt Stomping Ritual Still Help Some People?
Despite lacking direct physiological impacts, a soothing pre-sleep ritual can assist in shifting the nervous system away from stress, said Katie Parobek, founder and director of The Well health and wellness clinic in Notting Hill.
“Engaging in a grounding sensory ritual before bed is valuable in its own right,” Parobek remarked to Stylist. She further emphasized that skin serves as a protective barrier, and the soles of the feet are particularly thick, making substantial magnesium absorption quite improbable.
How Do You Take an Epsom Salt Bath for Better Sleep?
Brooke Skinner, founder of The Ritual, advocates for a warm Epsom salt bath as a nightly routine, telling Elle that the minerals found in the salt can aid in relaxing muscles and alleviating tension.
“Salt is rich in minerals that help to relax the muscles and release tension. This deeply relaxing bathing experience promotes deeper sleep,” Skinner noted. She recommends lighting candles, switching off bright overhead lights, and vocalizing intentions into the water with each sprinkle of salt before gradually submerging yourself.
