To ensure 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. According to Vastu Shastra, the head should be towards east direction while sleeping to gain positive energies from the rising sun in this direction. However, Vastu recommends keeping the head aligned towards the south direction, which is the best direction to sleep owing to the proper alignment with the earth’s magnetic field.
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 |
Why should you follow Vastu for determining sleeping direction?
Vastu is an ancient science of architecture and designing spaces. It applies geometric patterns, symmetry and directional alignments to achieve the balance between architecture and various elements of nature. It also emphasises the impact on earth’s magnetic fields on our lives and its impact on sleeping positions. As per Vastu, the physical surroundings influence the quality of sleep. Hence, there are guidelines for designing the spaces, that is, bedrooms to achieve a harmonious environment.
Best direction to sleep as per Vastu Shastra
See also: Wall clock direction as per Vastu
Impact of earth’s hemispheres and magnetic field as per Vastu
The earth is divided into hemispheres by the equator into Northern and Southern Hemisphere, with each hemisphere tilts towards and away from the sun for certain period of the year defined by seasons. The earth’s magnetic field impacts these hemispheres. As per Vastu, the magnetic field has specific influence on human lives too, including sleeping direction.
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.
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.
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
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 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
East as the sleeping direction and its benefits as per Vastu?
In which direction we should sleep for good health? This is one of the most common questions Vastu experts are asked.
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
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.
Why should you avoid North direction for sleeping?
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.
Effects of diagonal sleeping direction as per Vastu
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.
As per Vastu experts, if the house does not perfectly match the east-west or north-south directions, then avoid placing the bed diagonally towards the southwest or southeast.
How to identify Vastu directions?
Sun:
As per the ancient practice, the sun is used to identify the directions. Face towards the rising sun, which is the east direction. The direction behind you is the west. Point your left arm towards the sun to identify the north direction. The opposite direction is the south direction.
Compass:
You can also use a compass, which contains a magnetic needle that points to the north.
Stars:
On a clear night, one can identify the north star (Polaris) that points towards north in the northern hemisphere.
Bedroom orientation as per Vastu
| Directions | Suitable for |
| West | Children |
| East | Unmarried children or guests |
| Southwest | Couples |
Bedroom consideration for spacious plots
In larger plots, Vastu recommends the northwest part of the north side adjacent to the living room for the bedroom. This arrangement helps boost the flow of positive energies within the space.
Bedroom directions to avoid
| Directions | Impact |
| Southeast | Conflicts between couples |
| Northeast | Uncertainties in life, sickness |
| Centre of the house or Brahmasthan | Affects the positive environment |
In Vastu, certain directions are not recommended for bedrooms. For example, a bedroom in the southeast can lead to unnecessary conflicts between couples.
Bedroom locations to avoid
Besides the right bedroom direction, one should also check the location of the bedroom in a house plan. For example, if it is a duplex apartment, design the bedrooms in the upper floor. On the other hand, certain locations such as the middle of the building (Brahmasthan) is not suitable for bedroom placement and must be avoided.
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 Vastu: Things to avoid
- When sleeping, the legs should not face the bedroom entrance door as it can cause bad dreams.
- Avoid sleeping under a beam as it carries the burden of the whole building structure, causing negativity.
- Do not store junk under the bed.
- Avoid placing the bed with bathroom drainage pipes or gas pipes running along the wall.
- Keep electronic gadgets away as it can affect sleep patterns.
- Avoid irregular sleep schedule as it can affect the quality of sleep.
- Do not place metal bed in the bedroom as they can cause restlessness, especially if there are electronic items around.
- Avoid designing a bedroom if there is a kitchen on the lower floor as it cause sleeplessness, impacting career, relationship and health.
Things to avoid before going to sleep
Following certain Vastu-recommended practices can help create a positive environment in the bedroom, promoting sound sleep at night.
- Do not comb or leave your open when going to sleep as it will block the energy flow. You can tie the hair or cover it with a scarf.
- Avoid clipping your nails before going to sleep.
- Do not broom or clean the room at night as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the house at night.
- Avoid wearing uncomfortable or tight clothes while sleeping.
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.
Movement of chakras
Chakras refer to centres or points in the body through which the spiritual energy flows. Movement of the chakras in the body takes place in the appropriate sleeping direction and sleep is peaceful. Since east directions generate positive vibrations, the chakras in the body start rotating in the right direction instead of conflicting directions.
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 its effects as per Ayurveda
- As per Ayurveda, alternative system of medicine, sleeping on one’s left side promotes easy breathing (flow of prana or life force), boost circulation and minimises pressure on heart.
- Sleeping on the side activates the right and the left nostril, provide protection to the body and mind.
- One should avoid sleeping on their stomach.
- Those with Vata dosha, having problems such as anxiety and cold hands may keep head position towards the south or southeast while sleeping.
- People with pitta aggravation can sleep with head towards the northwest, for a limited time.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
See also: Vastu guidelines for sleeping position during pregnancy
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.
See also: Know all about staircase vastu
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.
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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.
Vastu Shastra also lays emphasis on the right direction of the bedroom and bed placement. Moreover, designing the bedroom in a Vastu-compliant manner can promote favourable energies that promote good sleep.
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 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 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.
What is the healthiest direction to sleep?
The healthiest direction to sleep is east or south. While East is believed to promote intellectual effectiveness, south is said to enhance quality of sleep.
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