Which Direction to Sleep In (According to Science and Ancient Tradition)?

Curious if the direction you sleep in impacts your sleep quality? According to Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, it just might. They suggest that aligning yourself in specific directions improves the flow of natural energy, which promotes better sleep and overall health and well-being.

Meanwhile, science also has its say regarding which direction to sleep in. Limited research postulates that aligning with the Earth's magnetic field might affect your body's circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality.

This article explains which direction to sleep in for optimal rest and why from the perspective of ancient tradition and modern science. You’ll also learn how to choose the direction to sleep in.

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• Preliminary research suggests sleeping with your head pointing southward is the best direction, but no conclusive evidence supports this.

• Ancient traditions like Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra recommend sleeping with the crown of your head facing southward. It’s believed that aligning with the earth’s magnetic field improves sleep quality, health and well-being. Note that scientific validation is lacking for this belief.

• Avoid sleeping with your head facing towards the north and west, according to Vastu Shastra.

• Sleeping direction isn’t the primary factor influencing sleep quality. Good sleep hygiene, ideal sleeping position, and a cool, quiet, dark bedroom play more significant roles.

Table of Contents

• Which Direction to Sleep In for the Best Rest Possible

• What Does Science Say Is the Best Sleeping Direction?

• Which Direction Does Vastu Shastra Recommend Sleeping in?

• What Direction Should You Sleep in Feng Shui?

• How Bad Is It to Sleep in Other Directions?

• How to Choose the Best Direction to Sleep in

• What to Do if You Still Have Trouble Sleeping

• Conclusion

Which Direction to Sleep In for the Best Rest Possible

The best sleeping direction is probably the south, where your head is pointed towards the south, and your feet to the north as you lie down.

Sleep orientation, however, differs according to where you live. Southward is the best direction if you live in the northern hemisphere. You can also consider sleeping facing the east, but avoid the west and the north.

Meanwhile, any direction except the south is ideal if you live in the southern hemisphere.

We’ll discuss why in the following sections.

What Does Science Say Is the Best Sleeping Direction?

While the jury is still out on this one, the best direction to sleep is the south. However, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t universal. No strong scientific evidence currently supports the link between sleeping direction and health.

Let’s look at geomagnetic alignment, wherein the Earth’s magnetic field runs in a north-south direction. The theory is that lying down with your head in the south direction aligns you with the Earth’s energy flow, which might help you sleep deeper and longer.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that some humans sense the Earth’s geomagnetic field, known as magnetoreception.⁽¹⁾ While this has been proven true for animals, it remains inconclusive for humans.

Also, research suggests that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affect some people. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that natural EMFs influence the circadian rhythm.⁽²⁾ (The circadian rhythm is your body’s 24-hour clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.)

Sleeping in the south direction may also benefit blood flow. The Sleep Foundation says some research suggests that sleeping southward helps lower blood pressure and improves sleep quality. However, this research is preliminary.⁽³⁾

Sleeping towards the south is also recommended by traditional practices, which we’ll discuss below.

Which Direction Does Vastu Shastra Recommend Sleeping in?

Sleeping towards the south is best for physical and mental health, according to Vastu Shastra, a traditional and ancient form of Indian architecture. The balance between nature and architecture is at the forefront of this practice.

Vastu Shastra draws from the concept that aligning the human body with the Earth’s magnetic field improves sleep and overall health, including better blood circulation.

Also, sleeping with your head facing southward and your feet northward supposedly attracts prosperity and wealth.

Meanwhile, sleeping in a northeast or southeast direction isn’t recommended. Sleeping southeast may cause sickness, while sleeping northeast may cause anxiety, according to Housing.com.⁽⁴⁾ Anxiety causes restless sleep or makes it difficult to fall asleep.

What Direction Should You Sleep in Feng Shui?

The best sleeping direction is the south, according to Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice wherein you arrange your living space and household objects to create balance and establish harmony for a positive energy flow (also known as chi). Chi is the life force flowing through all things,  believed to improve your overall well-being and health.

Placing your bed facing south is the best direction to sleep. However, to attract good health and wealth, you’ll also need to consider the commanding position, wherein you can see your bedroom door, but your bed isn’t directly aligned with the doorline.

Another option is a bed placement facing east, which encourages better focus and health.

According to Feng Shui Diva, experts may also recommend the direction to sleep based on your kua number.⁽⁵⁾ This number is determined by your birth year and gender.

For instance, if your kua number is 1, sleeping with your head pointed toward the south direction benefits family and marriage harmony. Meanwhile, sleeping in a southeast direction attracts money and benefits your career.

How Bad Is It to Sleep in Other Directions?

Now you know the best directions to sleep according to science and ancient traditions. Let’s move on to what you potentially need to avoid.

Is It Okay to Face East When Sleeping?

According to Vastu Shastra and science, sleeping facing the east is fine.

Sleeping with your head facing the east may benefit memory, focus and good health. It's the second-best sleeping direction, according to Vastu Shastra. If you need a creativity boost or are facing health issues, sleeping eastward is ideal, says Vastu Consultant.⁽⁶⁾ Furthermore, sleeping with your head pointed towards the east aligns you with the sunrise, which symbolizes positive energy and rebirth.

Also, some evidence suggests that sleeping in an east-to-west position decreases the time it takes to reach the first Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage. Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that our sleeping direction might influence our brain activity, specifically alpha brain waves.⁽⁷⁾ These brain waves are linked to relaxation. However, this lacks more scientific research.

Again, while the current research on the effect of the Earth’s magnetic field on our neurological activity is promising, it’s inconclusive.

Is It Bad to Sleep Facing North?

What about sleeping in a north-south position with your head facing north and feet pointing south?

From the perspective of Vastu Shastra, sleeping with your head facing north isn’t advisable. Sleeping in the north direction causes a drop in energy and productivity upon waking.

Meanwhile, from a scientific perspective, sleeping with your head facing a north direction and your feet towards the south goes against the direction of the Earth’s geomagnetic field. This may negatively affect your sleep quality. Again, current scientific research has yet to support this claim.

Is It Bad to Face West While Sleeping?

Vastu Shastra recommends avoiding sleeping with your head pointed towards the west. Sleeping in this direction goes against the Earth’s electromagnetic field, which may negatively impact your health and result in disturbed sleep.

Some Vastu Shastra practitioners believe sleeping with your head facing westward may also decrease motivation and cause restlessness. So, if you’re struggling at work or gunning for that promotion, this is a sleeping direction you’ll want to avoid if you want to improve performance and focus.

Feng Shui is more flexible in this aspect. Indeed, some practitioners don’t recommend sleeping facing the west, but it isn’t universal.

Remember that Feng Shui also uses your kua number to determine the direction in which you should sleep. However, as mentioned earlier, it emphasizes placing your bed in a commanding position as the primary basis for sleep direction.

How to Choose the Best Direction to Sleep in

Science and ancient traditions may say the south is the ideal sleeping direction. However, this isn’t the only consideration when determining what suits you best for restful sleep. Yes, you read that right: It’s also a matter of personal preference.

You’ll need to experiment with what sleeping direction suits you best. Here are a few guidelines:

• According to Resmed, keep a log of how well you sleep in the current sleeping direction for at least a week to establish a baseline.⁽⁸⁾ Jot down your sleep quality, duration and energy levels upon awakening. A sleep journal is a helpful tool for this exercise.

• Try out different sleeping directions as your room area permits. If your space is limited, experiment with as many directions as possible. Make sure you allot enough time per sleeping direction for comparison. Jot down your findings in your sleep journal.

• Consider how each position makes you feel security-wise. For instance, if sleeping facing the door or under a window makes you anxious, position your bed in another direction. (By the way, Feng Shui advises against both bed positions.)

• Consider other factors affecting your sleep and maintain them throughout your directional experiments. Among these are room temperature, comfortable bedding and light levels. (In case you didn’t know, total darkness is ideal for optimal sleep quality. If you can’t control this factor, consider a 100% blackout sleep mask.)

• You should also explore the best side to sleep on and other sleeping positions like the supine sleep position or prone sleep position. Sleep positions also have an impact on sleep quality and health. For instance, sleeping on your left side may ease symptoms of acid reflux and sleep apnea.

• If you share a bed, it’s essential to consider your partner’s comfort levels. What works for you might not work for them.

• When you’re done experimenting, review your findings per direction. This will help you determine the right sleeping direction for you.

A word on getting sound sleep: sleep direction shouldn't be your sole concern. There are many other factors to consider, like sleep hygiene, position and mental and physical state before hitting the sack.

Sleep doctor Dr. Chester Wu told Rise Science: “There’s not much solid research into the best direction to sleep in. But we know much more about how important it is to be calm and relaxed before bed.⁽⁹⁾”

What to Do if You Still Have Trouble Sleeping

What if you’ve explored the different directions but still struggle to get a good night's sleep? As mentioned earlier, don’t get disheartened because sleeping orientation is just one of several factors influencing sleep quality.

You can still get restful sleep by:

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up every day at the same time (weekends included).

• Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet. Read our article on how to make your bedroom darker for tips.

• Ditch the gadgets at least an hour before bed. Blue light represses the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. It may also trick the human brain that it’s time to be alert and awake instead of asleep.

• Consider changing the colors of your bedroom to ones that are more conducive to restorative sleep. Read our article on what colors help you sleep for more information.

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. However, don’t do either too close to bedtime.

• Consult a somnologist if you are having trouble sleeping. These professionals are trained in sleep medicine and can help identify an underlying sleep disorder like sleep apnea or insomnia, resulting in sleep deprivation.

Conclusion

We hope this article provides enough information on the best direction to sleep in. Remember that while science and ancient traditions like Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra recommend the south, it’s also a matter of identifying what’s best for you.

While sleeping direction might play a role, focusing on sleep hygiene is essential for restful and deep sleep, including optimizing your sleeping environment. Develop a healthy diet and exercise habits, too.

We’re curious to know what sleeping direction works for you. Leave a comment below to share it with other readers.

Sources:  

(1) “Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from alpha-Band Activity in the Human Brain.” National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31028046/. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(2) “Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease.” National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10105029/. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(3) “Which Direction is Best to Sleep in?” Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions/best-direction-to-sleep. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(4) “Best sleeping direction as per Vastu.” Housing.com, housing.com/news/best-direction-to-sleep-as-per-vastu/. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(5) “Your Best Compass Directions.” Feng Shui Diva, www.fengshuidiva.com/feng-shui-sleeping-directions. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(6) “Vastu and Sleeping Direction.” Vastu Consultant, vastuconsultant.com/vastu-sleeping-direction/. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(7) “Influence of the earth's magnetic field on resting and activated EEG mapping in normal subjects” National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8169054/. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(8) “Best Direction to Sleep Scientifically for Restful Night.” Resmed, www.resmed.co.in/blogs/best-direction-to-sleep. Accessed 14 March 2025.

(9) “Best Direction to Sleep In? Sleep Expert Shares the Science.” Rise Science, www.risescience.com/blog/best-direction-to-sleep-in. Accessed 14 March 2025.

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