Home LivingWellnessSleepYou should be sleeping in this direction to get the best night’s sleepDoes the direction you sleep in affect sleep quality? As it turns out, yes!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleepYou should be sleeping in this direction to get the best night’s sleepDoes the direction you sleep in affect sleep quality? As it turns out, yes!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Does the direction you sleep in affect sleep quality? As it turns out, yes!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Anna Nekrashevich / Pexels)
(Image credit: Anna Nekrashevich / Pexels)
Regardless of how well you sleep, we’re all looking for ways to improve our sleep habits, from investing in thebest mattressto tryingviral TikTok sleep hacks. But sometimes, the simplest tricks could be the answer to all your problems and it turns out the direction you sleep in can actually have an effect on how well you sleep at night.
I’ve spoken at length about how sleeping position has an impact on sleep quality, but this refers to whether you sleep on your back, side or front. Sleep direction is completely different and refers to where your head and feet are facing, and where your bed is positioned in your room. While these things might seem like absolute nonsense to you, ancient traditions and spiritual practices say otherwise.
Before you change the layout of your bedroom, let’s look into which direction is the best for sleep and why.
North or South: Which direction is the best to sleep in?
According to Eastern medicine practices, and specifically Vastu Shastra – a traditional Indian system of architecture – thebest direction to sleep in is south. This means your head should be facing the direction of south while your feet should be facing north.
There are many reasons that sleep experts and ancient traditions believe south to be the best direction to sleep in. Vastu Shastra states that sleeping south helps align your body’s magnetic energy with the Earth. Your head or the ‘north pole’ should be oriented towards the Earth’s south pole and vice versa, so the opposite poles attract. Many practices also suggest that your bed and bedroom furniture should be facing south, too.
Sleeping in a north-facing position is believed to create tension in the body and some research has shown that those who sleep in this position take longer to enter REM sleep and get less sleep overall. This is mainly because your body’s poles are misaligned with the Earth’s poles, therefore, ensuring your body is inline with the Earth can help improve sleep quality and general comfort. Studies have shown sleeping southward also helps lower blood pressure, something that needs to happen in order for you to fall asleep.
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
(Image credit: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels)
While more scientific research needs to be done on this, the general consensus is that while sleeping southward won’t magically fix all your sleep problems, it’s worth trying as it could help you fall asleep faster.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Like I said earlier, sleep direction is different from sleep position but if you want tips on how to sleep better, check out5 tips for side sleepers, our5 tips for back sleepersand5 tips for front sleepers.
Where should I place my bed in my room?
Now you’re facing the right direction for sleep, it’s worth considering where your bed or other bedroom furniture is facing, too. Many experts advise that keeping to the principles of Feng Shui ( the practice of arranging your furniture and possessions to align with the natural world) can give you the best chance of getting a great night’s sleep.
So, where should you put your bed? Your bed should be in a secure and harmonious position, directly against the wall and opposite your bedroom door. It shouldn’t be under a window or directly in line with your door, as sleeping with your head towards a door is considered bad luck. Placing your bed opposite your door and against the wall is the‘command position’which is said to make you feel more in control, empowered and safe.
When you position your bed in your bedroom, there should be space on either side of your bed to balance all aspects of your room, plus it’s convenient for placing your bedside tables. For more Feng Shui bedroom rules, check outhow to Feng Shui your bedroom for better sleep.
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze buttonHow smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
Nutritionist reveals 3 foods you should eat before bed to stay warmStruggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
Struggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
Are headbands the new sleep technology trend?
Hatch’s latest sunrise alarm clock finally has a phone-free design – and I’m obsessedHatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
Hatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
This ERA mattress topper can turn your mattress into a smart sleep tracking deviceThe ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
The ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
6 gadgets to get you through Dry JanuaryWith Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
With Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
This pillow flip sleep hack can help you beat Christmas insomnia – and it takes secondsIf you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
If you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
