The Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically for a Good Sleep

Sleeping well is essential to a healthy body and mindset. When we sleep we heal and recover and without a good night’s sleep, we feel unrested and unable to perform our daily tasks to the best of our ability. There are many reasons why good sleep may not be achieved including stress, illness, diet, and sleep conditions. However, if you already have good sleep practices and you find you can’t get a good night’s sleep, then you may want to consider the direction that you sleep in. Let’s take a closer look at the best direction to sleep scientifically for a good night’s sleep. 

What do We Mean By Sleep Direction?

When we refer to sleep direction we’re quite literally talking about the direction that your head points when you are sleeping. There are two main schools of thought which suggest the best direction to sleep; Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui. Though stemming from different cultures, both Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui follow the belief in universal energy flow, and that when we are in harmony with this energy we can achieve a greater state of well-being. 

Both principles encourage followers to bring the five elements of air, water, fire, earth, and space, into perfect harmony through good sleep direction and positioning. 

What is the Worst Sleeping Direction?

The direction that you will find most beneficial to sleep depends upon the belief system that you follow. If you prescribe to the Hindi belief system of Vastu Shastra for example, you must avoid sleeping with your head in a Northern direction. The only exception to this rule is if you live in the Southern hemisphere, where this is reversed and you must avoid sleeping facing a Southern direction. 

It is believed that sleeping with your head in a Northern direction impacts blood flow within the body. This happens because of the levels of iron within the blood which Vastu Shastra says is affected by the Earth’s magnetic forces. When your sleeping direction is bad the iron in your blood can put pressure upon your brain, which is what causes you to sleep poorly and overtime may impact your health more greatly. 

The Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically According to Vastu Shastra

According to Vastu Shastra sleeping with your head in an east-west direction is the best choice to ensure a good sleep. Let’s explore the benefits of sleeping in different directions according to the Vastu Shastra principle.

North

As we’ve touched upon, if you reside in the Northern hemisphere then to safeguard your health and sleep quality, sleeping in a Northern direction should be avoided at all costs due to the magnetic repulsion that it causes. This magnetic repulsion causes increased brain pressure and insomnia. The reason why the Northern direction is thought to impact us negatively is that the Northern magnetic pole is known as the negative pole. Therefore sleeping with your head pointing in the direction encourages the flow of negative energy. It is also thought that this sleeping direction can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol.

East

Sleeping with your head pointing East and your feet pointing West is the most beneficial position according to Hindu beliefs. This sleeping direction is thought to be the best direction to sleep because it attracts positive energy and improves your overall health, memory, and concentration. This may also be the best direction to sleep scientifically, as studies have found that those sleeping East-West have fewer dreams and more sound sleep.

West

Sleeping in a Western direction is also beneficial. It is thought that this sleep direction attracts positive fortunes such as prosperity and fame.

South

So long as you don’t reside in the Southern hemisphere Vastu Shastra notes no negatives to sleeping in this position. 

The Best Direction to Sleep According to Feng Shui

The aim of sleeping following Feng Shui is to position yourself in a way that allows you to gain the most energy when you sleep. Sleeping in the following directions have been proven to be beneficial.

West

If you want to wake well-rested then sleep in a Western position. You should avoid this position however if you are needing motivation. Feng Shui practitioners advise that this position is only used by those already settled within their careers. 

South-West

If you’ve always been a restless sleeper than Feng Shui recommends that you sleep in a South-West position, as sleeping this way can help to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

East

When following Feng Shui’s beliefs the best way to sleep scientifically is facing East. It is thought this position gives the sleeper great amounts of energy and increases ambition.

South-East

If you’re an artist or are looking to live a more creative life, then sleeping in a South-East position will increase activity and creative energy.

The Worst Directions to Sleep According to Feng Shui

You should avoid the following sleep directions if you wish to maximize the quality of your sleep.

North

Unlike Vastu Shastra, there can be some benefits to sleeping in a Northern position as it increases tranquility and makes you feel much more calm. However the propensity for sleep disorders including insomnia that this position can bring means that it is better avoided. 

North-East

Sleeping in a North-East direction is probably the worst position Feng Shui follows can sleep in. This position brings on nightmares and can leave you feeling heightened anxiety.

South

In Feng Shui, the Southern position is believed to hold bountiful energy. Because of this, it should be avoided when looking for restful sleep as you’re likely to feel more energized than you are tired. 

Final Words – Is Sleep Direction Important?

Some believe in the importance of sleep direction, and some see it as little more than superstition. While there have been some scientific studies, information surrounding this topic is still quite limited. However, over recent years more and more ancient belief systems are constantly unraveling and scientists are discovering huge scientific benefits, such as in practices like acupuncture and yoga, so, if you’ve been struggling to sleep for some time, changing your sleeping direction is definitely worth trying!