Sleep Health

Best Direction to Sleep in Scientifically

UPDATED
September 20, 2024
Author
Cecelia Beringer
Munice Inc. Staff Writer / University of Florida
Reviewer

Your body strives to rejuvenate and repair itself as you sleep. Several  factors, including how well you maintain the natural curve of your spine, and your sleeping posture, might either aid or hinder this process. People frequently experience brand-new aches and pains when they first get out of bed, sometimes due to their sleeping position (Spruyt, 2011).

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping or relaxing, so selecting a sleeping posture that promotes physical healing is critical (Siengsukon, 2017). A healthy sleeping position can reduce pressure on your spine, but an improper one might worsen back, arm, or shoulder pain. In this article, we will explore the best direction to sleep scientifically and its potential impact on sleep quality and overall health.

Factors Affecting Sleep Quality

While the other direction you sleep in might have some  bearing on the quality of your sleep, many other elements are far more crucial. These consist of the following:

  • The National Sleep Foundation estimates that most adults require between 7 and 0 hours of sleep per night. Getting less than the recommended amount can result in sleep deprivation, which can result in exhaustion, mood swings, and poor cognitive performance (Paruthi, 2016).
  • Your room should be dark, quiet, and cool in order to get the best sleep possible(Kay, 2012).
  • Establishing a regular sleep schedule will help you get better quality sleep. Even on weekends, you should be getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.
  • Stress can have a huge impact on your ability to sleep well. Yoga, deep breathing, and meditation are all relaxation techniques that can help you reduce your stress levels.
  • Before bed, avoid large meals, coffee, and alcohol because these can interfere with sleep(Chung, 2020).
  • Regular exercise can also improve sleep. However, it's crucial to avoid extreme exercise right before bed because it can make it difficult to fall asleep.
  • Certain conditions like sleep apnea, can significantly impact sleep quality. If you suspect that you have a sleeping disorder, speak to your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

What Is the Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically

You might be surprised to learn that the direction you sleep in can affect the quality of your sleep. It’s true! Sleep direction and other factors like stress, nutrition, and lifestyle choices can impact your sleep.

Since we sleep for about one-third of our waking hours, maximizing this time is important. The science behind which direction is preferable to sleep in and why is covered in the sections below. So let’s investigate and get some advice for getting the finest possible sleep!

East

Sleeping with your head pointed east is recommended for a good night’s sleep. Head direction while sleeping towards the east aligns the magnetic field of your body with the Earth according to Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian design science. This alignment generates a positive charge that can enhance immunity, blood flow, and overall well-being(Begall, 2008).

North

It is not advised to sleep with your face towards the north. According to Vastu Shastra, the body’s magnetic field is disrupted when resting with your head towards the north, which can result in restless nights, nightmares, and other health problems. Additionally, this orientation is thought to lower energy levels, which might result in morning fatigue or exhaustion.

West

It is not advised to sleep with your face towards the west. According to Vastu Shastra, sleeping with your head toward the west can cause sleep disturbances and health problems like nightmares, sleeplessness, and sadness. Additionally, it is said that this direction increases energy levels, which makes it hard to fall asleep and leaves you feeling exhausted and groggy in the morning (Batra, 2018).

The quality of your sleep and general well-being may be impacted by the direction you sleep in. As per Vastu Shastra, the sleep direction to avoid is north and west. It is recommended to face east or south as it is considered the best sleeping direction.  It is important to remember that these ideas are founded on old traditions and might not be supported by science. Ultimately, the direction that makes you feel most comfortable and allows you to get a good night’s sleep is the greatest.

Sleep Direction: Is it Important for a Good Night's Sleep?

Does sleep orientation have an effect on how good our sleep is? Let’s take a look at some of the science around sleep direction.

The Impact of Sleeping Direction on REM Sleep

Are you curious about the impact of sleep direction on your sleep quality and overall health? Studies have suggested that sleeping with your head pointed south in line with the Earth’s electromagnetic pull may help achieve balance and prevent health problems associated with sleeping in a north-facing position. But does it impact the time it takes to enter REM sleep, a crucial stage for cognitive function and emotional well-being?

Interestingly, research has found that sleeping in an east-west position may result in entering REM sleep earlier, but it may also lead to less overall sleep. So, what’s the best sleep direction to sleep in? More research is needed to determine the pros and cons of different sleeping positions and their impact on sleep quality and overall health.

Other Principles from Eastern Medicine for Sleep

Are you sick of lying in bed all night long, tossing and turning? Do you find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep? If so, perhaps it’s time to borrow a page from eastern medicine!

Eastern medicine has long emphasized the value of a good night’s sleep to preserve general health and wellness. And fortunately for us, they’ve created a number of ideas and methods that can raise the quality of our sleep. We’ll now look at some of the best Eastern medicine advice and techniques for getting some peaceful sleep.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an age-old practice that involves putting tiny needles into particular places on the body. This practice encourages energy flow and advances healing. The body’s circadian cycle can be regulated by acupuncture, which can lead to better sleep. Acupuncture is thought to trigger the release of endorphins, which can lessen stress and encourage relaxation.

Ayurveda

The importance of preserving balance in the body, mind, and spirit is emphasized by the traditional Indian medical system known as Ayurveda. Numerous techniques recommended by Ayurveda, including yoga, meditation, and herbal therapies, might enhance sleep (Gooneratne, 2008). Yoga can aid breathing, flexibility, and physical tension reduction, while meditation can help with stress reduction and relaxation. Ashwagandha and chamomile are two herbal medicines that might aid in relaxation and enhance sleep quality(Telles, 2015).

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a centuries-old Chinese practice of arranging the surroundings to promote harmony and balance. The Feng Shui guidelines that encourage rest are:

  • Keeping the bedroom clutter-free
  • Putting the bed in a commanding location
  • Using soothing colors and natural materials

These guidelines can help in creating a calm and unwinding environment that helps you get quality sleep.

Qigong

Qigong is a Chinese practice that blends meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Qigong can reduce stress, improve breathing, and promote relaxation, all of which can lead to better sleep. Qigong practice before bedtime could assist to calm the body and mind to help promote better sleep.

Ways to improve your sleep

Do you struggle to sleep in spite of your best efforts? The design of your bedroom could be the problem! Yes, you read that correctly. The layout of your bedroom can have a big impact on how well you sleep. But don’t panic; we’ll now be offering some advice that has been supported by science to assist you in setting up the ideal sleeping environment in your bedroom.

We’ll go through everything you need to know to have the best possible night’s sleep, from picking the appropriate hues and lighting to picking the best bedding and furniture.

Keep it cool

Your sleep quality can be greatly impacted by the room's temperature. For the best sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom’s temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Your body needs to cool down in order to fall asleep, so keeping your bedroom chilly can assist(Harding, 2020).

Reduce noise

You may not be able to get the rest you require if noise disturbs your sleep. Consider using earplugs or a white noise generator to lessen outside noise. You can also use heavy drapes to limit noise coming from outside your bedroom.

Control lighting

Through its impact on your body’s circadian cycle, lighting can affect the quality of your sleep. To block off outside light sources, use blackout curtains or shades. Think about using dimmer lights and low-wattage lamps to create a relaxing ambiance(Fonken, 2010).

Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows

A comfortable mattress and pillow can impact how well you sleep. Select a mattress that supports your body and keeps your spine in proper alignment. Pillows should be comfortable for your sleeping position while supporting your head and neck.

Establish a peaceful and tidy environment

When the bedroom looks disorganized and chaotic, it can be difficult to fall asleep, which can lead to stress and worry. To create a pleasant and clutter-free area, keep your bedroom organized and free of distractions such as office supplies or technological gadgets.

Use Calming colors

Our emotions and mood can be affected by colors. For a relaxing ambiance in your bedroom, use calming hues like blues, greens, and grays.

Incorporate natural elements

A relaxing and pleasant environment can be created  in your bedroom by including natural features like plants or natural materials. Plants can help clear the air and promote calmness, and your bedroom will feel cozier with more texture if you add natural materials like wood or bamboo.

Your bedroom’s layout might have a big impact on how well you sleep. You can create a relaxing that supports better sleep and general health by keeping your bedroom cool, minimizing noise, controlling lighting, investing in comfortable bedding, creating a calm and clutter-free environment, using calming colors, and incorporating natural elements.

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So, if you’re tired of all the tossing and turning all night long, and want that desired deeper, restful sleep every night, try the Miracle Night app today. Download the app now and take the first step toward a better night’s sleep.