Sleeping with head facing north

fake myth or proven reality? – Ostrichpillow

Traditions as old as Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra ensure that the geographical direction in which we sleep affects our health. Is this possible?

How many times have you heard that sleeping facing north is harmful? This belief, which assures that the cardinal point towards which we sleep can affect our wellbeing, is so widespread throughout the world that no matter where you are reading this, you have surely heard it. And at that moment you probably wondered what the reason is and if it really happens that way. Let's take a look at it (plus other easier solutions for a good night's rest like our Eye Mask).

The origin of the belief

The idea that the geographical direction in which we lie down to sleep influences our health has its origin in the ancient Hindu practice of Vastu Shastra. This set of Ayurvedic teachings aims to live in harmony with the energies that flow in the world, very similar to what the Chinese discipline of Feng Shui proposes – in fact, it is said that both have the same origin. And yes, those energies also flow when we sleep.

The key is magnetism. Because its core is filled with iron and spins at great speed, the Earth has a magnetic field that goes from north to south. According to this philosophy, if you sleep facing north, you make the positive pole of the Earth coincide with the positive pole of your body – located theoretically in your head – making both repel each other. This can cause nightmares and sleep disorders and wake up tired from the "internal struggle" between your body and the planet. Some people further claim that this polarity can affect blood circulation and even raise cholesterol. On a spiritual level, Hindu tradition believes that when the soul dies, it leaves the body for the north, so sleeping in that direction is impure.

Does all this mean that it is best to sleep facing south? Well, not exactly. Although sleeping towards the opposite pole of the Earth makes the energies flow "correctly," and the sleep is more profound, it is recommended to sleep towards the east. In this way, the magnetic fields are neutralized, and sleep is perfect, promoting memory and concentration and having general health benefits. Sleeping facing north does not sound good, right?

Does the direction you sleep matter?

The truth is, if you look at what science says, it doesn't. There is no scientific study that has proven the integrity of these theories to date. In fact, everything we know so far about magnetism, which is a lot, tells us that the influence of terrestrial magnetism on the body is absolutely nil because the power of that field is very low, insufficient for us to realize it.

Let us take, for example, a well-known medical diagnostic technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The machines that perform it use magnetic fields that are thousands of times more powerful than Earth's. If the Vastu Shastra approach is valid, submitting to this technology would completely disrupt the flow of "natural" energy in our bodies in seconds, making us sick. And that, as we well know, doesn't happen.

On the other hand, the magnetic north and south poles referred to in these theories do not coincide with the traditional geographic poles of the Earth. Still, they are separated by several miles – and that is why it is so difficult to reach the geographic poles using a magnetic compass. And above all, what about the people who live in the southern hemisphere? Does it work the opposite way for them?

So, if you thought that sleeping facing north was the cause of your sleep problems, you can rest assured. However, other forces of nature, such as light, may prevent you from sleeping well, so why not try a sleep mask like our Eye Mask? You don't need to move anything!

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Should you sleep facing north? Here's what experts have to say

We all want a good night's rest, and many of us make a conscious effort to boost those chances. Be it avoiding screen time before bed, painting your bedroom walls a calming hue, or investing in a supportive mattress, there's a whole host of changes you can make to your daily routine to help improve your sleep quality. But have you ever considered changing the direction you face in bed?

While it might sound far-fetched, many ancient traditions - such as Vastu Shastra - claim that lying with your feet facing north can help you to sleep better, and recent research supports that theory.

But, before you commit to changing the layout of your bedroom, we asked some sleep experts for their insight on whether there's any substantial proof to the claim.

Junior Writer

Lilith is an expert at following news and trends across the world of interior design. She's committed to helping readers make the best choices in their homes through sharing practical tips and guides that promise a happier, healthier space. For this piece, she spoke with sleep experts to find out whether the direction that we face during the night could actually help with sleep quality.

Should you sleep with your feet facing north?

(Image credit: Humbert & Poyet)

According to Vastu Shastra and other eastern medicine practices, sleeping with your feet pointing north and your head pointing south is the best position for a good night's sleep. Drawing upon Hindu mythology, the concept stems from the idea that living organisms are designed in harmony with the energy of the universe and so the human body has its own north and south poles just like the Earth.

'This means that some believe that the Earth's magnetic field could affect sleep quality,' says Tom Greenspan, co-founder and Sleep Science Coach at VS Mattress . 'They therefore recommend trying to align your head in the same direction as this magnetic field when you go to bed for improved sleep quality.'

While some studies have shown that sleeping in this south-to-north direction can lower blood pressure (thus improving sleep), there's not a lot of scientific evidence to back up the claim. As Tom explains: 'It is not necessary to sleep facing a specific direction, and there is no scientific evidence that sleeping facing north has any particular benefit.' According to Jeff Kahn, CEO and Co-Founder of Rise Science , if you struggle with poor sleep, the direction in which you sleep is unlikely to be a cause.

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Does the direction you sleep matter?

That said, there could be some benefit to changing the direction you sleep, although it doesn't necessarily correlate with the Earth's magnetic field. Instead, it has more to do with your personal comfort.

'To the extent the direction you face during sleep matters, it would be in regard to how calm or safe the position of your bed makes you feel,' says Jeff. 'Positioning your bed away from doors and windows, but still within sight of these access points, can potentially promote a sense of security that can help you relax — a necessary ingredient in falling asleep.' Bedroom feng shui also suggests that your bed should be in a commanding position in the room that isn't directly in line with your door.

There's also the factor of your bedroom's natural light. As Jeff notes, because getting natural morning light is so important for a good night’s sleep and improving your circadian rhythm, facing your bed towards a window to help you receive more morning light, such as an easterly window, will also be beneficial.

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What other changes can you make to improve sleep quality?

(Image credit: The Dairy / Naumi Hotels)

If you've had a bad night's sleep, the bottom line is that the direction you sleep in probably isn't the real aggravating factor. Before you commit to changing your bedroom layout to test it out, there are a whole host of other small changes you can make in the bedroom that are proven to improve sleep instead.

'Making your bedroom into a “sleep sanctuary” is key to helping you rest and recharge,' says Jeff. 'Consider decluttering your space, choosing comfortable bedding and sleepwear, and making sure your bedroom smells inviting. '

It's also a good idea to keep your bedroom slightly cooler than the rest of your home to help you sleep at night. Susan Miller, lead researcher and certified sleep expert at Sleep Mattress HQ suggests setting the temperature between 60-67°F. Dimming the lights an hour or so before you sleep can also help prompt your body's natural sleep cycle. 'Ensure your bedroom is comfortable and free from distractions like bright lights, electronics, and disruptions from outside noise,' says Tom. 'Taking steps such as these can help improve overall sleep quality regardless of the way you face in bed.'

If your bedding is due a refresh, it's worth researching how to choose the right mattress for your sleeping positon. 'When putting together the ideal sleep environment, it’s not just about optimizing temperature, humidity, noise, and light,' says Michael Breus, sleep expert at The Sleep Doctor . 'Having the right mattress, pillows, and bedding can also help you feel relaxed and ready for a good night’s rest. ' Not only do the offer the comfort and support we need during sleep, but they play an important role in regulating body temperature too. 'If you sleep hot, look for a mattress that promotes good airflow around the body and doesn’t retain too much body heat,' suggests Michael.

Where to sleep with your head?

The horizontal position is nature's intended rest for our musculoskeletal system, vascular and nervous systems. Sleep should last at least 7 hours. The ideal time is from 10 pm to 6 am. There are also many tips on which side of the world to sleep with your head. This is evidenced by many ancient teachings, folk signs and modern methods.

Ancient Indian teachings recommend sleeping with the head to the south for those who want to attract money, success and prosperity to the family, as well as develop their mental abilities. Spouses should go to bed with their heads to the north to refresh feelings and build mutual understanding. For a child, the ideal position is when the head looks to the east. It brings cheerfulness, longevity, happiness and health. Elderly people are better off sleeping with their heads to the northeast. In this position, they are not afraid of depression and fatigue.

The Chinese teaching of Feng Shui recommends sleeping with your head against the wall, thereby protecting yourself. Do not place your bed in front of a mirror. The ceiling above the bed should be even and smooth, without overlapping. It is not recommended to place a bed between two doors, as well as between a window and a door. Well, if a bed with a back. It is highly undesirable to lie down by the head of the window.

Feng Shui gives the following recommendations:

sleep with your head to the east - for an influx of energy and vitality, getting rid of nightmares, insomnia;
sleep with your head to the south - to quickly move up the career ladder;
sleep with your head to the north - for mental activity, harmony, financial stability;
sleep with your head to the west - to improve family relationships, inspiration and a surge of emotions.

People say that sleeping with the head to the west develops indifference and selfishness in a person, to the south - anger, to the north - contributes to excellent health, and to the east - an ideal option for everyone.

Yogis believe that the energy field of people is directed from the head to the feet. They recommend lying in bed with your head to the north, so a person will sleep well, feel energetic, gain financial wealth, and mutual understanding in the family. If it is not possible to lie with your head to the north, the bed should be placed with your back to the northeast or east.

From the point of view of official medicine , there is no difference on which side of the world you will sleep with your head.

Don't take head position recommendations too seriously. If for some reason you cannot move your bed, there is no need to radically change the layout of the apartment. For healthy sleep, first of all, you need a positive attitude. In order to benefit from a night's rest, follow a few rules:

do wet cleaning in the bedroom;
ventilate the room before going to bed;
do not overeat in the evening;
turn off electrical appliances and lights.

Based on materials from open sources
Photo: Yandex.images

Do not sleep with your head to the north! Indian tips for choosing the direction in a dream

How important is it? A full sleep in silence and comfort is a vital necessity. While you are resting, the subconscious has a lot of things to do: “repair” and “putting things in order”, cleansing the body of toxins, processing information ... Experts in bioenergy say that orientation of the body in sleep noticeably affects these processes, and hence the quality of your sleep and health.

How important is it? A full sleep in silence and comfort is a vital necessity. While you are resting, the subconscious mind has a lot of things to do: “repair” and “putting things in order”, cleansing the body of toxins, processing information... your sleep quality and health.

Positive and negative

You may not think about it too often, but the energy of surrounds the person everywhere - you are constantly absorbing or emitting something. The impact of the environment, of course, is both beneficial and destructive. In particular, you should sleep in the right place with a positive, harmonious, balanced energy.

Similar issues are dealt with not only by the popular Chinese teaching of Feng Shui, but also by its Vedic alternative - vastu-shastra . Whether to believe ancient recommendations? The decision is yours. But for starters, it is useful to at least know a little more ...

Where will we sleep?

According to vastu shastra, the traditional Hindu system of architectural planning and design, the choice of direction in a dream has a significant impact on how you feel. I wonder what?

East facing

Lie with your head to the east if you want to get a good night's sleep. This position during sleep is beneficial for health, memory, concentration, brain activity and a tendency to positive thinking. Early in the morning, the Sun's magnetic field moves from the east, from your head to your feet, which keeps your head fresh, calm, and you can sleep soundly.

North facing

Never lie with your head to the north! This arrangement deprives you of positive vibrations during sleep. From a scientific point of view, the human body is a magnet, where the head and legs correspond to the north and south poles. If your head is pointing north during sleep (and the poles of the same name are known to repel each other), you have to resist the Earth's magnetic field. The planet, of course, wins because it has a stronger field - and you end up waking up feeling sluggish and irritated.

South facing

Sleeping with your head facing south is good for your health.