According to ancient Indian and Chinese systems, the direction in which you lay your head is important for good sleep and overall health. Feng shui and vastu shastra suggest that the best direction to place your head is toward the south. Feng shui experts believe that sleeping with your head facing south corresponds with the earth's electromagnetic fields and promotes the flow of positive energy, or chi. According to the principles of vastu shastra, energies originating from the south bring fame, goodwill, and deep, heavy, and sound sleep. The theory is supported by some recent research. A 2019 study found that participants who slept in a north-south direction experienced significant changes in delta, theta, and alpha brain frequencies and experienced better sleep compared to individuals who slept in an east-west direction.
There’s a fine art tocreating the ideal sleep environment. Adjusting your room temperature, keeping your bedroom dark, and blocking out noise are some of the most tried-and-true tips that can make a difference in your sleep quality.
According to ancient Indian and Chinese systems, the direction in which you lay your head is also key to good sleep and overall health. Keep reading to find out which direction is best to sleep in.
What’s the best direction to sleep in?
The best direction to place your head istoward the south, according tofeng shui, an ancient practice from China, and vastu shastra, an ancient practice from India.Both feng shui and vastu shastra focus on energetic balance, health, and well-being that comes with arranging objects in your personal space.
Why is south the best direction to sleep in?
Feng shui experts believe sleeping with your head facing south corresponds with the earth’s electromagnetic fields and promotes the flow of positive energy, or chi. Your bed should face south too as the placement of each item in your bedroom can significantly impact the chi energy in your space, say feng shui experts.
According to the principles of vastu shastra, meanwhile,energies originating from the south bring fame, goodwill, anddeep, heavy, and sound sleep.Sleeping with your head in a southern direction also draws energy into your body instead of outward as is the case when sleeping with your head facing north. As a result, you have a greater chance of obtaining health, happiness, and prosperity if you sleep with your head facing the south, say vastu shastra proponents.
This theory is supported by some recent research. A2019 studyfound that participants who slept in a north-south direction experienced significant changes in delta, theta, and alpha brain frequencies and experienced better sleep compared to individuals who slept in an east-west direction.
Plus, according to a2022 studypublished inGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine,sleeping with your head facing south is associated with lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Earlier research even shows some animals, such ascattle and deer, naturally align their bodies in a north-south direction when eating and sleeping.
Can you sleep in other directions?
Sleeping along the north-south axis with your head facing south is ideal, according to the principles of feng shui and vastu shastra. But sleeping with your head facing east can be sufficient. Per the 2022 study fromGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine, sleeping with your head facing east is also associated with lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
However,you’ll want to skip sleeping with your head facing north or west to avoid geopathic stress or interference in the earth’s electromagnetic field, which can negatively affect your physical health, according to the principles of feng shui and vastu shastra.
A2018 studypublished in the journalCurrent World Environmentfinds that being in a geopathic stress zone increases heart rate, which can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Anearlier studypublished in theIndian Journal of Science and Technologysuggeststhat geopathic stress contributes todepression, nervousness, and fatigue.
According to feng shui, sleeping with your head facing north invites sleep disorders likeinsomniaand lethargy during the day.In feng shui, the north direction is called the “death position.” This is an adequate description consideringchronic insomniahas direct links to many health disorders such asanxiety, depression, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
Other Eastern principles to help you sleep
Now that you know the best direction to place your head at night, use the following tips to optimize your sleep environment for maximum benefit.
Arrange your bed strategically
According to feng shui, ideal bed placement allows you to see the bedroom door (while in bed) without being directly in front of or in line with it. This position is known as the commanding position, providing safety and relaxation while encouraging better sleep.
According toLaura Cerrano, certified New York Feng Shui master, the head of the bed should rest against a wall but not under a decorative beam, window, or ceiling fan as all three are known to disrupt chi and contribute to restless sleep. Research shows arranging your bed inadherence to feng shui principlescan help reduce geopathic stress that interferes with sleep.
Choose relaxing colors
Painting your bedroom wallsin neutral colors such as beige, tan, and cream can help induce a sense of calm, according to feng shui experts. Colors from nature such as green and blue also promote relaxation, according to numerous studies such asthis onepublished inFrontiers of Psychology.
Use the highest quality mattress and bed linens
When possible, purchase bed products made from high-quality, nontoxic materials. “Feng Shui-wise, you want to bring the highest quality, nontoxic, ethically made materials around you,” says Anjie Cho, author ofMindful Homesand co-founder of theMindful Design Feng Shui School. “Whether that’s the mattress, linens, or your pajamas, if you have things that are not ethically made or have questionable energy, this can be infused in your sleep.”
Store nothing under your bed
According to feng shui and vastu shastra principles, storing things under your bed is a big no-no. “Ideally, you want nothing under the bed,” says Cho. “But if you must store something, it’s best to stick with sleep-related items like pillows, blankets, and linens.”Avoid storing books and shoes under your bed as they stimulate energy, which may disrupt sleep.
Hang calming artwork
Any artwork you hang on your bedroom walls should be uplifting and relaxing.Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- No images of water as the central theme. In feng shui, water-focused pictures in the bedroom promote financial trouble.
- No sad or upsetting images as they may encourage unpleasant feelings and negative chi.
- No images featuring just one individual as this represents solitude and loneliness.
Finally, position artwork so it’s the last thing you see before falling asleep and the first thing you see upon waking.
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FAQs
Is it good to sleep facing east?
Yes, sleeping with your head pointing toward the east is perfectly acceptable. According to vastu shastra, laying your head in this direction can help enhance memory, concentration, and overall health.
Is it better to sleep facing east or west?
Sleeping with your head facing east rather than toward the west is better. According to studies, sleeping in this direction is associated with lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
Is it OK to sleep in the west direction?
This is one of the worst sleeping positions you can be in. According to ancient Eastern philosophies, the western direction representsnightmares, restlessness, and disturbed sleep.
The bottom line: If you’re suffering from insomnia and restlessness at night, a little rearrangement of your sleeping position and bed placement may help get you back on track. Use the suggestions mentioned in this article to reclaim your sleep, health, and overall well-being.
Give your bedroom a makeover by following thesetrendy bedroom design tips.
FAQs
What direction gives you the best sleep? ›
People had more interrupted sleep when sleeping east-to-west as compared to north-south, and slept for less time overall in the east-to-west facing beds. People who change the direction of their sleep to lay their heads to the south have been found to have lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone levels.
Which direction should I sleep in Canada? ›In Canada, the south is the best direction to sleep for good health. This means the sleeper's head should face southward while the feet should point towards the north. Sleeping towards the south aligns the body's magnetic energy with the earth's magnetic energy.
Which side should we sleep left or right? ›Sleeping on your left side is thought to have the most benefits to your overall health. Still, either side can offer benefits in terms of sleep apnea and chronic lower back pain relief. You don't have to stick with one side the entire night. Feel free to start on your left side and see how your body feels.
Should your head face east when sleeping? ›The east is the direction of the rising sun and is believed to be good for meditation and other spiritual activities. Sleeping with one's head pointing towards the east and the feet towards the west, ensures sound sleep. East is the best direction for sleeping as it improves memory and concentration levels.
Which direction is not best to sleep? ›The recommended sleeping direction per vastu shastra is that you lie down with your head pointed southward. A north-to-south body position is considered the worst direction.
Why east is the best direction to sleep? ›East the direction of the rising Sun and thus is considered a favourable sleeping direction as per Vastu. As per ancient architecture, if you keep your head towards the East while sleeping or resting, your sleep will be delightful, and your energy will be positive.
Where should a bed be placed in a room with windows? ›What is the best position? The best solution is to position the bed facing the door leaving the window to the side, this solution offers many benefits, firstly it improves air circulation and secondly it makes us feel more protected during the night.
Which way should your bed face Feng Shui? ›Which direction should a bed face in a bedroom? The best direction for a bed to face is towards the south. This both helps you to avoid the death position – it is also believed in Feng Shui traditions to help prevent sleep disorders such as insomnia and make you less lethargic in everyday life.
Is it OK to sleep in west direction? ›According to Vastu shastra, sleeping in the west direction is not a great idea. Sleeping in the west direction, with the head facing toward the west, is not a good idea since it causes unrest and interferes with a night's unbroken sleep.
Why can't I sleep on my left side? ›There's some evidence that sleeping on your left side may shift your heart and disrupt your heart's electrical current. Also, many people with heart failure report having trouble breathing in this position. Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea and snoring.
Should you sleep in a bra? ›
Is it OK to sleep in my bra? There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make a girl's breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
What are the side sleepers problems? ›Side sleeping can cause or exacerbate shoulder and neck pain, and contribute to muscle imbalance. Therefore, side sleepers need to be aware of their neck and shoulder alignment to avoid waking up with body aches. This article explains how to get the most out of side-sleeping while avoiding serious injury.
What happens when you sleep east? ›Sleeping with your head pointing east is a boon for any academic pursuits. It boosts memory, increases concentration, and promotes meditative sleep, resulting in good health. East is recommended for scholars, teachers, and those looking for fresh career opportunities or promotions.
Is it OK to sleep facing north east? ›Avoid having bedrooms in the North-East and South-East corners of the house. A bedroom in North-East gives loss of wealth, obstruction in all works, delay in marriage of daughter, when parents sleep in North-East, they become very easy to influence. The lose their identity and power of discretion.
Is it OK for your bed to face the window? ›Can I face my bed towards a window? Facing a bed towards a window is a better option than placing your bed underneath it, however, it is still not recommended. In Feng Shui, it is generally believed that, where possible, beds should not be placed directly in line with either a door or windows.
Where is the best place to put a bed in a room? ›The ideal position of the bed is therefore with the headboard against the wall, not facing the door or window. This is because a negative feeling of lack of privacy and a limited sense of protection and seclusion should not be accentuated.
Is it OK to put a bed against a window? ›It can make you feel more vulnerable as glass is not as solid as a wall. The sunlight can intrude on restful sleep as it is brighter near the window. The temperature is more varied next to the window. Feng shui bed placement principals warn against it because it leads to a loss of positive energy.
Which way do Muslims sleep? ›It is reported in Sahih Muslim (SM) that one of the companions said that the Prophet (pbuh) told him, “Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution like that for the prayer, and lie on your right side” [SM 2710].
Why should you sleep with your feet towards the door? ›Some people have a superstition that sleeping with your feet facing the door is bad for your health because dead bodies are taken out of a room feet first. Some people also have a superstitious fear of being dragged out feet first by ghosts and spirits.
Is it OK to sleep with the door open? ›Keeping your bedroom door closed can slow the spread of a house fire, as well as reduce toxic smoke levels. Having the right kind of fire extinguisher nearby can help. But when it comes to fire-related deaths, it's usually not the flames that are to blame. Smoke is actually more likely to cause suffocation and death.
Is it healthier to sleep naked? ›
“There's no proven benefit or harm to sleeping naked,” says Dr. Drerup. “Just do what feels right and then rest easy with your decision.”
What happens if we sleep towards north? ›When we sleep facing North, the magnetic pull of the direction attracts iron, which gets accumulated in the brain. This is the reason why many people complain of getting a headache when they wake up. Sleeping with your head pointing North can also disrupt your blood circulation and lead to disturbed sleep.
Is it good to sleep west to east? ›According to Vastu Shastra, sleeping in the east direction is good, while you should never sleep with head in the west direction. Sleeping in the east direction is considered good for health. The reason being the sun.
Why do I fart all night long? ›This muscle is more relaxed during sleep, and it controls whether or not gas present in the large intestine is released. This muscle also spontaneously relaxes multiple times per hour in the morning. As a result, passing gas overnight or in the morning is common.
Where do you put your arms when sleeping on your side? ›First, make sure that your arms are down by your side. Sleeping with your arms overhead, perhaps around your pillow, can pinch your lower shoulder. Instead, sleep with your arms down by your side.
Why you shouldn't sleep on your right side? ›Reflux and heartburn: If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your right side can make symptoms worse, Salas says. That's true for people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for people who have heartburn for other reasons, such as pregnant women. Flip to your left side to cool the burn.
Should you sleep with socks on? ›Research suggests that wearing socks to bed can help people not only fall asleep faster, but sleep longer and wake up fewer times throughout the night. One study found that young men wearing socks fell asleep 7.5 minutes faster, slept 32 minutes longer, and woke up 7.5 times less often than those not wearing socks.
What causes saggy breasts? ›The loss of skin elasticity due to aging is the most common cause of saggy breasts. Another factor is smoking, which accelerates aging and thus contributes to sagging breasts, sometimes even earlier in life. Multiple pregnancies are another cause, though breastfeeding is not.
Is it good to sleep with your hair wet? ›Though sleeping with wet hair won't give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis, according to Shah, who recommends going to sleep with dry hair when possible.
What side of the bed do most females sleep on? ›Research reveals more women prefer to sleep on the left side of the bed than the right - and the reason why is super cute.
Do side sleepers age faster? ›
If you've noticed how you wake up with creases, lines, and wrinkles on your face after sleeping in a sideways position, then that most likely is one of the major causes of aging on your face. Sleeping on your side squashes your face into the pillow, causing wrinkles.
Does side sleeping cause wrinkles? ›If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, your face might be pressed into your pillow, causing your skin to fold up and form vertical wrinkles. Since we all spend around a third of our lives asleep, these “sleep lines” get repeatedly reinforced and etched into your skin over time, like folds in leather shoes.
Is it OK to sleep west to east? ›Let's talk about the other two directions- east and west today. According to Vastu Shastra, sleeping in the east direction is good, while you should never sleep with head in the west direction. Sleeping in the east direction is considered good for health. The reason being the sun.
What happens if we sleep in west direction? ›According to Vastu shastra, sleeping in the west direction is not a great idea. Sleeping in the west direction, with the head facing toward the west, is not a good idea since it causes unrest and interferes with a night's unbroken sleep.
What is the best position to sleep in feng shui? ›Which direction should a bed face in a bedroom? The best direction for a bed to face is towards the south. This both helps you to avoid the death position – it is also believed in Feng Shui traditions to help prevent sleep disorders such as insomnia and make you less lethargic in everyday life.
Is it OK to sleep towards North East? ›Avoid having bedrooms in the North-East and South-East corners of the house. A bedroom in North-East gives loss of wealth, obstruction in all works, delay in marriage of daughter, when parents sleep in North-East, they become very easy to influence. The lose their identity and power of discretion.
Can I sleep in North West? ›First and the most important Vastu tip for bedrooms is that a couple's bedroom should be located in the northwest or southwest direction of the house, as these two directions improve the love among the partners.
Can you sleep facing south east? ›Sleeping with head in South-east direction can cause diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc. Therefore, the bedroom should be avoided to be constructed in this direction. For other directions, it should be kept in mind that while sleeping, keep your head in the west or north direction.