"Sleep-Inducing Hack" Goes Viral on Social Media; Experts Warn of Risks

Did you sleep well last night?

Many people are likely struggling to get a good night's rest due to the heat, and a "secret" to falling asleep easily is currently making waves on social media.

A woman walks barefoot over coarse salt.

This is what is known as "salt earthing," which is trending on social media these days.

The claim is that by spreading coarse salt on the floor or a tray at home and standing or walking on it barefoot, cortisol—a stress hormone—is reduced, and serotonin is released, switching the nervous system into a "rest mode."

It is spreading rapidly through social media with claims that it helps not only with deep sleep but also with stress relief and fatigue recovery, but experts have a different take.

They state that there is not yet sufficient scientific evidence that simply stepping on salt improves sleep quality or provides health benefits.

Instead, experts advise caution, noting that those with wounds on their feet or sensitive skin could be irritated, and one should not blindly follow the trend without careful consideration.

(Source: TikTok @tamsskyn, @_rva_lady, @gabifitchi, @healthcoach_ash, @lindsay.girl82)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.