Have you ever wondered if there's a best direction for sleeping that can also improve your overall well-being? You might be surprised to know that facing the right direction while you sleep actually matters a lot. Getting a good night's sleep to feel fresh the next morning is really important. But sleeping well isn't just about your comfortable bedroom and mattress— it is also the direction you face while sleeping.
According to Professionals as well as Feng Shui, the healthiest sleep direction is the South. But why so?
Which is the Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically?
The direction you sleep in is meant to avoid problems with Earth's magnetism. Picture the Earth like a giant magnet. When we lie down, our heart rate slows down. If our head is at the same level as our body, too much blood might go to our head and cause harm.
Some studies suggest that people might feel Earth's magnetic energy. Sleeping with your head pointing south has been linked to lower blood pressure and better sleep quality.
In one study, when people were exposed to changed magnetic fields, their brain waves shifted. This hints that humans might be affected by Earth's magnetic energy. So, based on how Earth's magnetic field can impact us, sleeping facing south seems to be the best direction.
What Direction Should I Sleep According to the Sleep Experts & Feng Shui?
“South” is the answer. Studies conducted by experts and Feng Shui agree that it's good to sleep facing South. It is said to connect sleep quality to the Earth's magnetic field and energy flow.
Feng Shui is a Chinese practice that deals with how we arrange things around us. It's all about the flow of energy, called "chi." Some say that in ancient Feng Shui, they liked energy coming from the south because of China's warm winds.
Even though there isn't strong scientific support for Feng Shui, there are some similarities with Environmental Psychology. Research suggests that our physical surroundings can highly affect our well-being.
Benefits of Sleeping Facing South Direction
According to certain studies and feng shui, sleeping with your head pointing south can have some benefits such as—
- Helps with sleep problems like sleep apnea and especially insomnia during pregnancy.
- Supports deep, restful sleep.
- Aids digestion and improves nutrient absorption.
- Boosts blood flow to the brain, which might help with thinking.
- Lowers the risk of heart issues.
- Keeps your spine in a good position, to get rid of back and neck pain.
- Boosts overall energy and gives a sense of balance and harmony.
However, people sleeping southwards say that they wake up feeling more refreshed. So, if you're looking to improve your sleep, consider facing south.
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Directions We Cannot Sleep
North: It's not a good idea to sleep with your head pointing north. That's because the Earth's north pole and your head's north pole kind of push against each other, and this can mess up your sleep. Some people even say they get headaches from sleeping northward.
West: Sleeping with your head facing west might make you feel restless, according to some experts. But some even think it could push you to reach your goals.
Can I Sleep Facing the East?
Like the South, the East is also a good direction for you to get the best night’s sleep. It is especially good for kids and those who prefer to start a spiritual journey. This direction is associated with the rising sun and is believed to yield full of positive energy.
Studies found that people who sleep facing the East direction took less time to get into REM sleep, which is linked to better sleep quality and improved memory power.
Impact of Sleeping Direction on Health and Sleep Quality
A stress-free sleep is what we require in our daily lives for a healthy body and mind. Things, like gender, age, health, and even the Earth's magnetic field, affect our sleep. Different studies suggest that sleeping with your head pointing toward the right direction might help you sleep better and improve your sleep quality.
People who sleep facing the right direction reach the rapid eye movement (REM) stage much earlier than others which is super important for your brain to work properly, emotional well-being, and overall health.
Helpful Sleeping Direction Tips to Follow
- Make sure your feet don't point towards the door while sleeping.
- Avoid placing the bed against a wall or below a window. Try positioning it on a wall opposite the bedroom door but not directly in line with it.
- Keep the room clean and free from electronic gadgets to increase the flow of positive energy.
- Enhance the flow of energy by adding plants and paintings in the bedroom while.
- Burning camphor before sleeping can ensure good sleep, bring calm when stressed, and provide health benefits.
- Ensure there's no beam or a window over or behind the headboard.
The Bottom Line
In the end, you have to figure out what suits best for you. Try sleeping in different directions and see how you feel when you wake up. If a certain direction helps you sleep better, follow the same for your sleep routine.
Staying open-minded is the key. Go with what works best for you without just blindly following different theories and you might find your perfect sleeping direction.
Sources
Sleep Foundation: Which Direction is Best to Sleep in?
Rise: Best Direction to Sleep In? A Sleep Expert Says It Depends
