Best direction to sleep as per Vastu

Good sleep contributes to one’s overall health and well-being. While the number of hours one should sleep depends on the age group and other factors, getting around 7 to 9 hours of sleep for most people. At the same time, the quality of sleep is another crucial aspect for optimal health.

Ensuring adequate sleep at night is vital for the body and makes you feel rejuvenated to start a new day. Hence, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, it is important to check not just how your bedroom is designed but also the sleeping direction i.e., the direction you face when you sleep. The ancient system of Vastu Shastra recommends certain rules on the best direction to sleep, which can have a significant effect on a person’s physical and mental health.

 

Best directions to sleep: Quick facts

Best direction to sleep as per Vastu	South
Best direction to sleep scientifically	South
Sleeping direction to avoid	North
Best direction to sleep for couples	South or southwest
Best direction to sleep for students	East
Benefits of facing south when sleeping	Lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, promotes restful sleep, attracts wealth and prosperity
Best direction for master bedroom	Southwest
Best time to wake up	During Brahma muhurta, an auspicious period before sunrise

 

Best direction to sleep as per Vastu Shastra

South is the best sleeping direction in the northern hemisphere while north is the ideal direction for the head position while sleeping in the southern hemisphere. The theory is based on recent research.

Ensuring the best sleeping position, as per Vastu, will also boost one’s physical and mental well-being. However, the rules for keeping the head in a particular direction while sleeping  may differ for people living in different hemispheres. So, the ideal Vastu sleeping position may have a direct correlation with the earth’s magnetic pull.

See also: Wall clock direction as per Vastu

Best sleeping direction in the northern hemisphere

Firstly, it is essential to understand the impact of magnetic fields and electromagnetic energies on our health. Both, the earth and the human body, have magnetic poles. Our planet has magnetic poles running from north to south, with the positive pole in the north and the negative pole in the south. Due to the magnetic pull of the earth, sleeping in direction like north can make the two positive poles repel each other.

As per Vastu principles, the best direction to sleep are east and south directions so that the head is towards east or south while the legs point to the west or north. It is also the scientific way to sleep. If it is not possible to sleep facing east or south, you can choose alternative directions – northeast and west. Avoid sleeping with one’s head towards the north direction.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, these are the ideal directions for sleeping. Thus, it is essential to align the bed in a way that promotes good energy flow and ensures quality sleep.

See also: Make these five changes in your bedroom for better sleep

Best sleeping direction in the southern hemisphere

The best sleeping direction, as per Vastu Shastra, will depend on which hemisphere you live in. If you live in the southern hemisphere, it is essential to understand the effects of the magnetic fields. So, as per Vastu, which direction to sleep if you are in this hemisphere? One can sleep with the head pointing towards any direction except the south direction.

Thus, as per Vastu Shastra, the sleeping direction recommended for southern hemisphere is North, East and West.

 

Why east is the best sleeping direction in Vastu?

East, the direction of the rising sun, is believed to be good for meditation and other spiritual activities. It improves memory and concentration levels. So, sleeping with one’s head pointing towards the east and the feet towards the west, ensures sound sleep. Aligning the bed in the kids’ room towards east promotes their healthy growth. As per  Ayurveda, facing east direction while sleeping balances the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

See also: Vastu tips for children’s education and growth

 

Why south is the best direction to sleep?

Sleeping facing south direction has numerous health benefits:

• Lowers one’s blood pressure
• Helps nerve cells to rejuvenate
• Eliminates sleep deprivation and anxiety problems
• Promotes deep and restful sleep
• Attracts wealth and prosperity as per Vastu

Considering the theory of magnetic fields, sleeping towards South is ideal. Moreover, south is the direction of Lord Yama, the god of death. If the feet are towards South instead of the head, it can lead to bad dreams and negative thoughts and decrease the lifespan. Moreover, according to some studies, animals such as cattle and deer, naturally align themselves in a north-south direction while eating or resting.

Psychological effects: Sleeping towards south direction is known to have psychological benefits based on the placebo effect. The way people perceive the impact of sleeping direction can play a crucial role in ensuring a restful sleep. That is, a strong belief that a specific orientation will enhance sleep can actually be beneficial in promoting restful sleep.

See also: All about Vastu for south facing house

 

Is sleeping in west direction good as per Vastu?

While South and east are recommended sleeping direction as per Vastu, west is a neutral direction. Thus, sleeping in west direction will not promote sound sleep and may result in laziness and lack of motivation. Thus, the person may not feel refreshed the next and this can affect their performance at work. So, one should avoid sleeping facing towards west, especially if one is starting a new job. For quality sleep, Vastu focuses on the right sleeping direction and position besides a healthy eating habit. However, west is a suitable direction when it comes to placement of bed in a guest room.

According to Vastu, sleeping with the head towards the west direction is not recommended as it may cause unrest and interfere with a night’s unbroken sleep. However, this may be applicable to everyone. The West is ideal for those who want to be a successful. For some people, sleeping in West is said to boost success and keep away negative energies. Thus, one can consult a Vastu expert to know what works best for them.

 

Diagonal sleeping direction

According to Vastu Shastra guidelines, sleeping with head towards the northeast direction is not recommended as the magnetic field can disrupt sleeping patterns. On the other hand, southwest and southeast are good sleeping directions in a diagonal bedroom arrangement. Northwest is a neutral sleeping direction, according to Vastu.

 

Tips for choosing the best direction to sleep

• Vastu Shastra: One can rely on Vastu Shastra principles for choosing the best direction to sleep as it aligns with the scientific explanation of the benefits of sleeping facing towards south.
• Experiment with directions: One can also experiment by sleeping towards a specific direction for a week and then analyse the findings. During the experiment, one should observe the changes in sleep quality, patterns, dreams, restfulness and energy levels when waking up. The direction that gives the most favorable results should be chosen as the right sleeping direction.
• Understanding one’s body: It is also essential to keep in mind one’s needs and comfort as every individual’s body is unique.
• Consider the environment: One should take into account factors such as room temperature, lighting, bedding and related aspects. Moreover, it is also necessary to note which hemisphere one is located in, when choosing the best direction to sleep.
• Consult an expert: One can take the help of a medical professional to get insights on what works best when it comes to sleeping direction and the right sleeping position. 

 

Sleeping direction as per different cultures

In India, Vastu Shastra recommends sleeping with head towards south, which ensures harmony and good health. The direction is considered to attract positive energies and helps relax the mind, ensuring restful sleep.

On the other hand, in Chinese Feng Shui, sleeping with the head towards north direction is considered as the ideal sleeping position. This is believed to align with the earth’s energies, promoting a flow of positive chi for better sleep and life energy.

However, one must note that the sleeping direction is also based on the hemisphere where one is located. Moreover, scientifically, sleeping towards is known to have many benefits.

 

Sleeping direction and placement of bed as per Feng Shui

• Do not place the bed directly under any overhead beam, windows or other objects to promote positive energy known as Chi.
• Positioned bed directly against a wall such that the door is visible but not directly in line. This keeps you in a command position, as per Feng shui and provides you the best direction to sleep.
• If the bed cannot be placed on the opposite wall, add a mirror that allows you to view the door.
• Place the bed in a way that your feet do not be pointing towards the door.
• Keep auspicious artwork and plants that can turn negative energies (Sha Chi) into positive energies or Chi.

 

Bedroom colours as per Vastu and Feng Shui

Direction	Element	Colour scheme	Significance
East	Wood	Green	Family, health and growth
West	Metal	White or grey	Creativity and children
North	Water	Black or blue	Career and life path
South	Fire	Red	Power, fame and reputation

As per Vastu shastra, the colour scheme should be selected in a way that it addresses the three types of doshas – vata, pitta and kapha, representing the various natural elements.

• Green and yellow colour scheme is ideal for those with vata dosha (air).
• Blue and green colour combination is suited for pitta dosha (fire and water).
• Red and violet colour theme is perfect for kapha dosha (earth and water).

Hence, besides ensuring the right sleeping position according to Vastu, you can make suitable alterations in the colour scheme of the room to boost positive vibes.

 

Which direction to sleep scientifically?

The sleeping direction is intended to avoid geomagnetic interference. The earth is a huge magnet. When we sleep in a horizontal position, the pulse rate immediately drops. The body adjusts to the new position because if blood is pumped at the same level, excess supply will go to the head, causing damage.

Based on some scientific studies, it has been observed that humans may be sensitive to the earth’s electromagnetic energies. When sleeping with heading towards the south direction, it has been found that there is a significant lowering of blood pressure and improvement in the sleep quality.

As per one scientific study, changes in the participants’ brain waves were observed when they were exposed to manipulated electromagnetic fields indicating that humans may be sensitive to the earth’s magnetic energies. Considering the effect of the earth’s magnetic fields on our body, the south is the best direction to sleep.

In 2009, according to a study was conducted by the Department of Physiology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, those sleeping with head towards the south direction recorded the lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, and serum cortisol.

 

Sleeping direction to avoid: North

According to Vastu, the north is not the best direction to sleep. Hence, one should avoid sleeping with the head towards the north direction. Given the impact of the earth’s magnetic energies, sleeping in this direction can cause variation in the blood pressure and make it difficult for the heart to pump blood. The blood vessels reaching up to the brain have a fine hair-like arrangement as compared to those running down. It is believed that in some cases, there is risk of haemorrhage. Further, the blood contains iron and the magnetic pull when sleeping towards the north attracts iron, causing an impact on the brain. Sleeping towards the north direction, for five to six hours, can disrupt blood circulation and lead to health problems, including headaches.

As per research, some people who sleep in the north-south position may take longer to each the rapid eye movement (REM), a sleep stage that is crucial for cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and overall health. On the other hand, those who slept in east-west position entered the REM phase earlier.

 

Best direction for sleeping for couples

When designing the bedroom for couples, it is essential to keep certain Vastu rules in mind. Positioning the bed in the south or the south-west area is recommended. Further, as per Vastu, the wife must sleep on the left side of her husband to promote a happy marital relationship. For couples the best direction to sleep is with their head towards the south, the south-east or the south-west.

Further, remove any object that may obstruct the flow of energies and are not related to relationship. For example, electronic items like computers are not recommended in the bedroom. One can instead place items that will boost the relationship such as elephant figurines. These are a few points to consider when deciding the best direction to sleep for couples.

The ideal sleep position advised for pregnant women is sleeping on the left side as it improves the blood flow between the heart, fetus, uterus, and kidneys. The left side sleep position also minimises the pressure on the liver.

 

Best direction to sleep in master bedroom

As recommended in Vastu Shastra, the best direction for sleeping is the east or south direction, as it promotes sound and restful sleep.

According to master bedroom Vastu Shastra rules, a master bedroom should be built in the south-west area of the house. Ensure that the headboard of the bed is in the south or west direction, so that your legs point towards the north or east direction while you sleep.

See also: Know all about staircase vastu

 

Sleeping direction and its effects as per Ayurveda

Vastu Shastra and Ayurveda that is an ancient and alternative system of medicine, also lay importance on ensuring the best direction to sleep to boost health benefits.

As per Ayurveda, one must sleep on their left side to ensure good health and overall wellbeing. One should sleep in this direction to promote easy breathing, boost circulation and minimise the pressure on the heart. Sleeping sideways is the ideal direction to sleep as it boosts the flow of prana or life force in the body.

As per Ayurveda, sleeping on the side activates the right nostril or Surya Nadi and the left nostril or Chandra Nadi. It ensures the cells of the body remain in awakened state and align with the divine consciousness while providing protection to the body and mind. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

For some people, west may a neutral sleeping direction. However, as per Vastu, it can also increase Rajas guna among the three guṇas, doshas or attributes (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). Those with Vata dosha, having problems such as anxiety and cold hands may keep head position towards the south or southeast while sleeping. This can be beneficial for them. As per Ayurveda, people with pitta aggravation can sleep with head towards the northwest, for a limited time. Further, sleeping with the head towards west for a short time helps bring back a Kapha vikruti in a balanced state.

 

Sleeping direction and useful tips to follow

Vastu shastra emphasises on ensuring the ideal sleeping direction to ensure sound sleep. Similarly, Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice, also lays down guidelines to improve the positive energy flow in the house. Also known as Chi, positive energies, can be enhanced through proper arrangement of the bedroom and its various elements. Here are some useful tips while ensuring the right sleeping position and direction.

1. As per feng shui, one should not place the bed against the wall or below any window.
2. Make sure the bed is placed on a wall opposite the bedroom door but not aligned with it. This is known as the command position.
3. The right sleeping position, according to Vastu and Feng Shui, should be such that your feet do not point towards the door.
4. Design the bedroom with plants and auspicious paintings to improve the energy flow and eliminate the harmful energies, or sha chi.
5. Keep the room free from any clutter, including electronic items like computer and other gadgets. This will improve the flow of positive energies.  The earth’s electromagnetic fields can have an impact on the quality of sleep. This, one should keep such items out of the bedroom.
6. Couples should not keep such gadgets and work desk. They must design their bedroom with features that promote the flow of positive chi energy. This will help improve relationships and promote harmony in life.
7. As per Vastu, burning Karpoor (camphor) every day before sleeping ensures good sleep and eliminates stress while bringing other health benefits.
8. There should not be any overhead beam or a window behind the headboard, as this can affect the quality of sleep.

 

Importance of good sleep

• Getting adequate sleep is essential for achieving good health and helps maintain one’s fitness level.
• It has a positive effect on mental health as a sound sleep keeps one happy and prevents anxiety and depression.
• Sound sleep enables the mind to stay alert during the day and improves concentration, helping one make sound decisions.
• It helps one stay active and enhance productivity at work.
• Getting adequate sleep helps one stay refreshed and energised while improving immunity. This also helps keep illnesses at bay.

 

Tips for sound sleep and waking up early

• Follow a sleep schedule: Set sleep schedule and try to get seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Make it a habit of getting to bed early and waking up early to allow your body to gradually adjust to this routine.
• Roll to the right side: When getting out of bed, roll to the right side. As the body is in a state of relaxation, it is better to avoid rolling to the left and putting any strain on the cardiac system.
• Rub your palms together: Before getting up, rub your palms together and place them on your eyes. It helps activate every nerve ending and helps you get out of sleep mode. As per popular belief, rubbing palms and placing them on the eyes makes one see god.

Best time to wake up

According to Ayurveda experts, one should wake up based on their prakriti or body and mind constitution. However, according to sacred texts and ancient traditions, one should wake up during the Brahma muhurta, an auspicious period before sunrise. Waking up early in the morning promotes mental health, improved memory and concentration and overall well-being.

Avoid a metal bed

According to Vastu, one should avoid metal beds in the bedroom, as it can have negative effects on health. Metal beds may result in restlessness or allergies. Metal is a conductor of electricity, so if there are electronics near the bed such as mobiles, computers, etc., it promotes the transmission of negative energies from such gadgets.

Is it better to sleep on back?

If one has neck or back pain, it is better to analyse the sleeping position of the person. If you wake up with a tingling arm or neck pain, it could be a result of wrong sleeping position. The best sleeping position to prevent back pain is to lie flat on one’s back. Place a pillow below your head or neck and another pillow under your knees for optimal spine alignment. Pregnant women must avoid this sleeping position as it lowers blood circulation to the heart and baby.

 

Best sleeping direction as per Hindu scriptures

As per ancient Sanskrit text Sushruta Samhita, the head should face the east direction when sleeping. Loss of prana or life force occurs if one sleeps with legs towards the south direction. The flow of organic energy, known as jaivik ūrjā takes place from north to south direction. The entry of prana in the body happens from the feet and the entry of the soul in a foetus is through the head.

According to Mahabharata, lord Krishna advises Yudhisthira ‘Sleep with head towards the south direction and legs towards the north direction.

yatha svakīyānyajināni sarve saṁstīrya vīrāḥ siṣupurdharaṇyām agastaśastām (dakṣiṇām) abhito diśaṁ tu

śīrāṁsi teṣāṁ kurusattamānām

 

Vastu rules for sleep position and its significance

Vastu Shastra, the ancient system of architecture, emphasises the proper arrangement of living space and its elements, which promotes a quality sleep. As per Vastu rules, living spaces must be aligned energetically with nature to build a harmonious environment. It lays down rules for the right position of the bed that helps achieves this arrangement. Improper sleeping direction can result in brain damage, aging and sleep problems.  

The best sleeping position or direction is the one that ensures a healthy spinal alignment. However, the ideal sleeping position will depend on one’s health condition. Scientifically, it is good to sleep on the side or back compared to sleeping on the stomach.

Side sleeping is considered favourable for pregnant women, elderly people and people having problems such as acid reflux, back pain, sleep apnea, etc.

In Ayurveda too, sleeping on one’s left side is recommended as it facilitates easy breathing and improves body functions. Many people wonder which side to sleep as per Vastu. Here, it is important to note as you ensure a comfortable position to sleep, you must remember the Vastu recommended direction for sleeping.

See also: Vastu guidelines for sleeping position during pregnancy

Side effects of a negative sleeping position

Incorrect sleeping directions can result in mental health issues. Moreover, according to many traditions, a person’s body is kept with the head positioned towards the north before cremating. Thus, one must avoid sleeping with the head towards the north as it can make them face a drop in energy levels and decrease productivity when they wake up. Further, according to Japanese traditions, sleeping with one’s head towards the north, known as Kita makura, brings bad luck and reduces one’s life span.

Is sleeping on the left side bad for the heart?

According to health experts, sleeping on the left side may be beneficial to some people such as pregnant women or people having acid reflux problems. Moreover, sleeping on the right side is considered ideal and mostly suited for those with heart conditions. Based on studies, the position of the heart shifts due to gravity pull when lying on one’s left side during sleep. This may alter the heart’s electrical activity, which may reflect in electrocardiograms (ECG). On the other hand, sleeping on the right side makes the tissues and structures between the lungs to hold the heart in its place, leading to normal ECG results.

 

Housing.com News Viewpoint

Quality sleep is of utmost importance for an individual. Thus, when choosing the best sleeping direction, one must consider the scientific angle and Vastu Shastra principles besides factors such as environment and health. This is essential to ensure restful sleep and good health while inviting positivity in life.

 

FAQs

Which direction should we not sleep?

If you live in the northern hemisphere, you should avoid sleeping with your head pointing towards the north direction. It is also essential to understand which side we should not sleep in the southern hemisphere. As per Vastu, you should not sleep with your head pointing towards the south direction in the southern hemisphere.

Can we sleep in west direction?

West is not an ideal sleeping direction according to vastu. However, it may be beneficial for some people. Sleeping in this direction can make a person success drive and will not have any negative effects.

Is it better to sleep north?

According to Vastu, sleeping towards north direction is not recommened as it can cause headaches and increase in blood pressure. Facing south direction when sleeping aligns the body’s magnetic energy with electromagnetic pull of the earth. Our head acts as the north pole and gets oriented towards the south pole.

What is the best time to wake up?

According to ancient traditions and ayurveda, one should wake up early in the morning with the sunrise. Waking up during Brahma muhurta, which is an auspicious period before sunrise, is considered beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.

Is west direction good for sleeping?

Sleeping facing West direction may not be beneficial to everyone. It may increase restlessness and affect the quality of sleep. However, sleeping in the west direction is recommended if you are looking for success.

What is the best sleeping direction as per Vastu for students?

Students and teachers are among the people who are required to process a lot of information daily and memorise the same. Thus, the ideal sleeping direction for students and teachers is east as it is known for high blood circulation and memory-boosting energies.

What is sleep according to Vedas?

Upanishads mention that sleep is a state of mind. Further, according to the Vedas, the body requires rest. So, sleep is a natural condition when the body rests.

Who can sleep in the east bedroom?

According to Vastu Shastra, newlywed couples should sleep with head facing towards the east direction. If one is the earner in the house, sleeping in the east bedroom is not recommended.

Which corner is best for the bedroom?

The main bedroom or the master bedroom should be constructed in the southwest corner of the house.

In which direction should students sleep for success?

According to Vastu, students should sleep facing east direction, which enhances energy levels and boosts memory power.

In which direction should we sleep for height growth?

According to studies, sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees can promote height growth.

Why is it considered bad luck if the feet face the door while sleeping?

Sleeping position with feet facing the door is regarded as bad luck. In ancient traditions, dead bodies were carried out through the door with their feet first. Thus, sleeping in this position is regarded as the death or coffin position.

Which position is not good for sleeping?

One should avoid sleeping on their front. it can obstruct their breathing and cause irregular curvature of the spine.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]