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Is Sleeping With Your Head Facing East Good For You?

Published: Mar 25, 2024
Updated: Feb 01, 2025
Is Sleeping With Your Head Facing East Good For You?
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    9 min

    Can’t sleep no matter how much you’ve tried? Maybe you’ve experimented with different sleeping positions or different directions to sleep in, but nothing seems to work. Supposedly, sleeping with your head facing east promotes better sleep.

    Keep reading to find out the benefits of sleeping in different directions and how good sleeping in an east direction could be for you.

    Key Takeaways
    Different beliefs and principles may have different ideas on what is the best direction to sleep in.
    According to scientific studies, sleeping in the north-south direction can promote better sleep than other directions.
    In Feng Shui, sleeping towards the north is regarded as a bad direction to sleep in due to how it may affect your ability to have proper rest.
    Vastu Shastra’s principles state that south-facing sleep can promote positive energy and good overall health.
    Sleeping with your head facing east may be beneficial in enhancing concentration levels and improving sleep quality.

    Sleep Quality and Head Direction

    old woman with short hair and eyes closed sleeping with her head on the pillow - sleep quality and head direction

    According to some theories or ancient practices, it is believed that the direction of your head may affect the quality of your rest. This is largely because the direction that your head is in, acts as a compass point. Wherever you are pointed to could indicate where your health or fortune will flow.

    If it’s in a negative direction, it could mean poor health or fortune. If it is positive, it could mean good health or fortune [1].

    Which direction should you face when sleeping?

    which direction should you face when sleeping shuteye

    The sleeping direction that we choose may be dependent on cultural or spiritual beliefs, or scientific research. Some beliefs may suggest a particular direction is better for sleep and overall well-being while others may suggest an opposite direction.

    According to some scientific studies and research using sleep electroencephalography (EEG) signals, sleeping in the north-south direction may potentially be more beneficial than the east-west direction. The study seems to suggest that the north-south position is better for sleep due to a correlation between the signals and the Earth’s magnetic field [2].

    However, in ancient practices like Feng Shui, sleeping in the north direction is regarded as a bad direction to sleep. The north is seen as a repelling force against the Earth’s magnetic field, meaning that it may lead to increased stress and restless sleep. Sleeping towards the west direction is viewed similarly.

    In Vastu Shastra, south-facing sleep is associated with good health and positive energy.

    Sleeping facing east is considered the best direction to sleep for enhanced concentration, memory retention, and overall sleep quality. It’s often recommended for students or those who are seeking mental peace and encouraging better emotional well-being.

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    Is It Good to Sleep With Your Head Facing East? Benefits

    Sleeping facing east is considered the best sleeping direction according to various traditional practices such as Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui. Here are several reasons why this orientation is favored:

    Alignment with Natural Energies

    East is associated with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings, vitality, and positivity. Aligning oneself with this direction during sleep is believed to harmonize with the natural energies of the earth, promoting a sense of balance and well-being.

    Enhanced Circulation of Energy

    According to Vastu and Feng Shui principles, sleeping with the head towards the east facilitates the smooth flow of energy, known as “prana” or “chi,” throughout the body. This uninterrupted circulation of energy is thought to contribute to physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.

    Promotion of Inner Harmony

    Sleeping facing east is believed to promote inner harmony and balance, facilitating a sense of peace and tranquility during sleep. This alignment is thought to minimize disturbances in the subtle energy fields surrounding the body, leading to a deeper and more restful slumber.

    Improved Cognitive Function

    Some proponents of east-facing sleep suggest that this orientation can enhance cognitive function, including memory retention, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Waking up after sleeping in this direction may leave one feeling more refreshed, alert, and mentally sharp.

    Spiritual Significance

    In many cultures, the East holds spiritual significance, representing enlightenment, spiritual growth, and higher consciousness. Sleeping facing east is often seen as a way to connect with these spiritual energies, fostering a sense of spiritual well-being and alignment.

    Overall, while the scientific basis for these beliefs may vary, the tradition of sleeping facing east persists in many cultures due to its perceived benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health.

    Best Sleep Direction According to Vastu Shastra Principles

    best sleep direction according to vastu shastra

    According to Vastu Shastra principles, you should never have your head facing north as that may lead to sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality. Instead, having your head pointing towards the south could promote deep sleep, lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, and stress levels, and improve sleep quality in general [3].

    Sleeping with your head towards the east can also be beneficial as it helps to promote inner conflict resolution and overall well-being, allowing you to sleep well and wake up refreshed.

    Which Way Should My Bed Face?

    nicely made bed with white sheets and pillowcase, bed placed against the wall. which direction should your bed face

    Your bed placement is dependent on your personal preference as well as what may work best according to the layout of your room.

    Generally, in Feng Shui, you are recommended to face your bed towards the east or south direction. Facing your bed towards the south may help to promote wealth and prosperity. Facing the east may help to promote better health and concentration levels [4].

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    Enhancing Sleep Quality

    To enhance your sleep quality, position your head towards the east while sleeping. Sleeping with your head pointing east can significantly improve your sleep by promoting inner conflict resolution, concentration, and memory.

    This orientation allows your body to experience full rest and recuperation, enhancing overall sleep quality. Avoid pointing your head towards any side except the east to prevent potential sleep disorders and ensure a peaceful night’s rest.

    Head DirectionBenefits
    EastEnhanced sleep quality
    NorthPoor sleep quality
    WestSuccess-driven but less comfortable for all
    SouthDeep sleep and emotional clutter-clearing

    Conclusion

    So, if you want to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being, one possibility is to sleep with your head facing east. By aligning yourself and your sleep environment with the Earth’s magnetic pull and following a principle that works best for you, you may improve your overall health.

    Alternatively, you may also try using the ShutEyeŸ app to help you sleep better at night. ShutEyeŸ helps you to track your sleep and provides detailed insights and sleep tips to help you get restful sleep. Try it now for FREE!

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    FAQ

    The best direction according to Feng Shui is having your bed facing the south or east direction.

    It is generally not recommended to have your feet facing the east and your head facing the west while sleeping. This may result in disrupted sleep and poor sleep quality.
    About authors
    PrzemysƂaw Puternicki is a content writer passionate about new technologies and innovative ways to use them. He has experience writing about Artificial Intelligence and its impact on various industries. Recently, he got engulfed in the subject of sleep science, searching for ways to improve his sleep schedule.
    Siti Amirah
    Reviewer
    Amirah is a content writer passionate about topics related to mental health and wellness. Recently, she delved into the realm of sleep health, spurred by a personal recognition of her subpar sleep habits and a desire for improvement. Amirah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Communication Studies from the University of Nottingham.

    Breus, M. (2024) The Best Direction to Sleep [online]. Available at: https://sleepdoctor.com/sleep-hygiene/the-best-direction-to-sleep

    Dream Wool (2024) How Should I Position My Bed? [online]. Available at: https://dreamwool.com/how-should-i-position-my-bed/

    Hekmatmanesh, A., Banaei, M., Haghighi, K.S., Najafi, A. (2019) Bedroom Design Orientation and Sleep Electroencephalography Signals. Acta Medica International 6(1):p 33-37. Available at:  https://journals.lww.com/amit/fulltext/2019/06010/bedroom_design_orientation_and_sleep.8.aspx

    ResMed (n.d.) Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically for Restful Night [online]. Available at: https://www.resmed.co.in/blogs/best-direction-to-sleep

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