Follow this feng-shui principle to fall asleep faster

Are you struggling to fall asleep? It might be something you have never considered. Traditional wisdom says that changing the direction of your bed can improve your quality of sleep. This could be a good option if you want to fall asleep quickly and feel refreshed when you wake up.

You’ll see that scientific research on the benefits of sleeping in one direction is still in its infancy. It is a belief that has been part of many people’s bedtime routines over thousands of years. This tried-and-true bedtime boost may be beneficial to you, but it is not a panacea for your sleep problems. There are many evidence-based suggestions for good sleep hygiene that you can try. If you have anxiety or are experiencing insomnia, it is important that you consult your doctor.

If this interests you, we have a guest who will explain the principles behind sleeping directions and what current research shows about the best way to sleep. If you want to improve your sleep, we’ll share everything you need to know. This is more than just finding the right mattress or listening to soothing music.

Which direction is best for sleeping?

It can be difficult to find the right bedtime routine, whether you’re looking for the perfect sleep aid or the right thickness of your duvet. It might be worth considering which direction you should go for your sleep if you find that something is not working when you get to bed.

Although you might be skeptical, there are many subtle influences that can affect our shut-eye. Heather Darwall Smith, a sleep therapist, says that there is no doubt that environmental factors can have a huge impact on our sleep quality. These factors include temperature, light, noise and light. What about the position of our beds?

Although few studies have examined preferences for the location of a human bed, much of the research on mammalian sleep habits has focused on this topic. Humans have the same basic needs as mammals to be able to sleep in a safe place. It is possible that our bedrooms have been subconsciously designed to allow us to see the door from our beds to give us visibility of threats and clear escape routes.

Here are some ancient oriental traditions to help. Darwall-Smith, an expert on Anatome, explains that creating a feeling of calm and safety in your home will help to relax. Feng shui, which literally means “wind water” in Chinese, is a Chinese philosophy that focuses on using energy forces to bring people together with their environment. She adds, “It looks at how to ensure that our living spaces are in balance with the natural environment.”

Feng Shui tradition suggests that your bed’s headboard be placed against a wall so you don’t feel like anything is behind you. It also suggests that your walls should be painted in a specific color according to their direction. For example, green for growth and creation, and red for power.

You may find it helpful to adjust the position of your bed. The research is still ongoing, just like many other aspects of alternative medicine. Darwall-Smith also notes that insomnia can cause sleep anxiety, which can lead to additional nighttime worries. This is especially true if your home or room structure doesn’t permit you to follow these guidelines. She adds that it is important to create a calm, dark and comfortable space where you feel relaxed and safe. It is your choice how to decorate it.

Why is South the best direction for sleeping?

If you are interested in learning the best direction to sleep in, ancient traditions, including Ayurveda and Vatsu Shastra, both from India, generally suggest that the south is the best direction. When you lie down, your head should be pointed south. Your feet should be pointed north. Darwall-Smith says that this gives weight to the notion that the direction we sleep relative to the Earth’s magnetic fields may be important.

It is believed that your body also has its north and south poles. This means that tension can lead to headaches or other health problems. This idea has been supported by scientific research. Darwall-Smith explains that electroencephalogram (EEG), brain wave pattern recordings were used to determine if the time between the start of sleep and the first REM episode was affected by their sleeping position.

They found that people who sleep in the east-west have shorter REM sleep cycles, which is vital for emotional regulation, than those who sleep in the north-south. Darwall-Smith however points out that this study did not examine whether it changed depending on whether the person was in a northern or southern hemisphere. This could be an area of interest for further research.

A recent study that supported the positive effects of south-facing orientation for sleep has been published earlier in the year. The study found that there was a strong correlation between difficulty falling asleep and geographical sleep directions. It also suggested that sleep in the north-south direction can improve quality sleep. This adds to the University of Duisburg–Essen’s previous findings (opens in new tab), that found animals like cattle and deer naturally place their bodies in this manner when they rest. Humans may want to do the same.

CAN YOU SLEEP WITHOUT DIRECTIONS?

If your space is too small or not large enough to allow you to move furniture, don’t worry. There are other options that may work. The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Munich found that people who slept in the east-west position went to REM sleep faster. This is important because while it is crucial to learn how to fall asleep quickly, you also need to ensure that your snooze-time is optimal. Darwall-Smith however points out that only 27 participants were involved, which is not enough to make it statistically significant.

Experts are still divided on the best direction for sleep. However, there is ample evidence to support the importance of good sleep hygiene. This is simply taking steps to ensure you get a good night’s sleep every night and feel refreshed when you wake up. A study done by Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, found that better sleep hygiene practices, which include avoiding caffeine and avoiding napping during daylight hours, lead to better sleep quality.

As a reminder, a solid seven- to nine-hour sleep, as the Sleep Foundation recommends for adults, is essential for everything, brain power, mood, and to prevent a variety of health issues, such as heart disease and dementia. Women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause should also get enough sleep. This is because hormonal changes can lead to insomnia.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP ENVIRONMENT

You’ve seen that creating a comfortable and peaceful environment for sleep is crucial to your wellbeing. Darwall-Smith says that your sleep environment should be one you enjoy. Many people suffering from sleep problems fear going to bed because their brain associates the unpleasant experience of being unable to sleep with the environment.

The best time to fall asleep and get up is your decision. Darwall-Smith recommends that you only go to bed when you are tired. To mimic the sunrise, use a sunrise alarm to wake you up from a deep sleep. You will notice the light in your eyes before you awaken, which can make it a more gentle awakening than an alarm clock.

Although it may not be possible to know which direction is best for sleeping and move your furniture accordingly, decorating your bedroom should be an enjoyable way to spend your time. Darwall-Smith suggests that you can have lots of pillows and duvets, or you might prefer a room with spartan-paired down cushions.

It’s then about getting the fundamental things right, like temperature, light, and sound. Darwall-Smith suggests that you use separate duvets for your partner. If your partner moves frequently or has different temperature needs, consider using a separate mattress. If the outside environment is noisy, use earplugs. You can also try brown noise to sleep and blackout blinds.

Ventilation is also important. Darwall-Smith explains that ventilation is important for keeping the room cool as well as to keep the air moving. “The atmosphere can become stale from the air trapped between the covers and body being recirculated,” Darwall-Smith says. Open windows resulted in better sleep according to a study done by Eindhoven University of Technology. Participants reported that the air felt fresher when they slept with the window open. She acknowledges, however, that some people might not be able to open a window due to allergies, safety or personal preference. In these cases, you can keep the bedroom door open to allow for airflow.