Facing North While Sleeping: A Christian Superstition

The belief that sleeping facing north is harmful is widespread, with roots in the ancient Hindu practice of Vastu Shastra, which shares similarities with the Chinese discipline of Feng Shui. This belief is based on the idea that the Earth's magnetic field, which runs from north to south, can cause an internal struggle with the positive pole of the human body when sleeping in a northerly direction, leading to sleep disorders, nightmares, and even health issues. However, scientific studies have not supported these theories, and there is no evidence that terrestrial magnetism impacts the body. While some Christians may adhere to this belief, it is not a religious doctrine or commandment specific to Christianity.

The origin of the belief in Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture based on ancient texts that describe principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. The term 'Vastu Shastra' translates to 'Knowledge of dwelling' and originated more than 5000 years ago. The principles of Vastu Shastra are laid down in the ancient Sanskrit manuals of architecture, the Vāstu-Śastras, which contain Vastu-Vidya or 'knowledge of dwelling'.

Vastu Shastra is a traditional Hindu system that aims to integrate architecture with nature, the functions of the various parts of a structure, and ancient beliefs utilising geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments. The underlying root of the Sanskrit word 'vāstu' is 'vas', which means 'to dwell, live, stay, or reside'. The term 'shastra' can be loosely translated as 'doctrine' or 'teaching'.

The art of Vastu originates in the Stapatya Veda, a part of the Atharva Veda. It used to be a purely technical subject confined to architects (Sthapatis) and their heirs. The principles of construction, architecture, and sculpture, as enunciated in the epics and treatises on temple architecture, have been incorporated into the science of Vastu. Its description is found in epics like Mataysya Purana, Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, and Vishnu Purana. There are also other ancient shastras that pass over the knowledge of Vastu Shastra to the next generation, such as Vishvakarma Prakash, Samraangan Sutradhar, Kashyap Shilpshastra, Vrihad Sanhita, and Praman Manjaree.

Vastu Shastra is believed to have originated in ancient India, with theories tracing links to the principles of composition in the Indus Valley Civilization. However, scholar Kapila Vatsyayan considers this speculation, as the Indus Valley script remains undeciphered. According to Chakrabarti, Vastu Vidya is as old as the Vedic period and linked to ritual architecture. The Atharvaveda contains verses with mystic cosmogony, which provide a paradigm for cosmic planning, but they do not represent architecture nor a developed practice.

Vastu Shastra is a pseudoscience, according to Narendra Nayak, the head of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations. In contemporary India, Vastu consultants promote superstition in the name of science. Astronomer Jayant Narlikar states that Vastu Shastra dictates the need to align the house to the magnetic axis for overall growth, peace, and happiness, but these claims have "no logical connection to the environment".

The role of magnetism

The Earth's core is filled with iron and spins at great speed, creating a magnetic field that runs from north to south. According to Vastu Shastra, the human body also has its own magnetic energy, with the \"north pole\" located in the head. When sleeping facing north, the positive poles of the Earth and the body are believed to coincide, causing repulsion and an "internal struggle." This is thought to lead to nightmares, sleep disorders, and even affect blood circulation and cholesterol levels.

However, from a scientific perspective, the influence of terrestrial magnetism on the human body is considered negligible. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, for example, use magnetic fields far stronger than the Earth's magnetic field, yet they do not disrupt the body's natural energy flow as described by Vastu Shastra. Additionally, the magnetic north and south poles do not align exactly with the geographic poles, and the theory does not account for people living in the Southern Hemisphere.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of Vastu Shastra regarding magnetism, it is worth noting that some recent research suggests a possible connection between sleep direction and health. One study found that people who slept in a north-south orientation experienced lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and longer sleep duration. Additionally, some animals, such as cattle and deer, naturally align their bodies in a north-south direction when resting, indicating a potential sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field.

The impact on sleep quality and health

The ancient Hindu practice of Vastu Shastra and the Chinese discipline of Feng Shui propose that the direction in which we sleep can affect our health and wellbeing. Both philosophies centre on the idea of living in harmony with the energies that flow in the world.

Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui suggest that sleeping facing north is harmful. This is because the Earth's magnetic field, caused by its spinning iron core, goes from north to south. If you sleep facing north, the positive pole of the Earth will coincide with the positive pole of your body, which is located in your head. This results in a repelling effect, causing an "internal struggle" between your body and the planet. This can lead to nightmares, sleep disorders, and tiredness.

Some also claim that this polarity can impact blood circulation and cholesterol levels. From a spiritual perspective, Hindu tradition holds that when a person dies, their soul leaves their body and travels north. Therefore, sleeping facing north is considered impure.

However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support these theories. Our current understanding of magnetism indicates that the influence of terrestrial magnetism on the human body is negligible due to the low power of the Earth's magnetic field.

Additionally, the magnetic north and south poles referenced in these theories do not align precisely with the geographic poles of the Earth, creating further inconsistencies. Furthermore, these theories do not account for people living in the Southern Hemisphere, where the opposite directions may apply due to the polarity rule.

While sleeping facing north may not be inherently detrimental, other factors such as light or electromagnetic fields can impact sleep quality. For instance, removing electronics from the bedroom is recommended by both feng shui practitioners and sleep hygiene guidelines to promote better sleep.

The ideal sleeping direction according to Feng Shui

The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui holds that the proper placement of your bed can increase the quality of your rest and bring more romance into your life. The bed is considered the most critical piece of furniture in your home, affecting your sleep and waking life.

Find the Commanding Position

The commanding position is critical, especially for a bed. This means you can easily see the door to your bedroom while lying in bed, but the bed should not be directly facing the door. Ideally, the door should be diagonal to the bed. If that's not possible, you can place a mirror so you can see a reflection of the door while in bed.

Place Your Bed Away From Opening Doors

You don't want a door to open too close to the middle of the bed, as this takes you out of the commanding position. Also, avoid lying in bed with your feet pointing directly out of the bedroom door, known as the "coffin position" in feng shui.

Put the Headboard Against a Solid Wall

In feng shui, having the support of a solid wall behind you is important, especially in the bedroom. Your bed should be placed against a full wall and securely attached for safety. Avoid placing the headboard or the head of your bed against or beneath windows.

Locate the Bed Away From the Same Wall as a Toilet

Avoid placing your headboard on the same wall as the toilet so that you don't hear or smell the bathroom while you sleep. If you must share the wall, use a mirror on the wall above and behind the bed to make the toilet "energetically disappear."

Provide Space on Both Sides of the Bed

Keep at least 18 inches of space around both sides of the bed to keep chi flowing around the room. Putting one side of the bed against a wall hinders the balance of your yin and yang energies. Space is also practical, as it allows you to move around the bed easily.

Avoid Sleeping Under Beams, Soffits, and Sloped Ceilings

Sleeping under these architectural elements can create pressure or oppressiveness in feng shui. If unavoidable, hide the ceiling's architectural features with draped fabric or paint the ceiling in one colour to blend them.

Point Your Bed in a South-Facing Direction

A bed facing south is said to encourage wealth and enhance your overall quality of life. A bed facing east is also a good choice, as it is believed to inspire better health and concentration.

Place Your Mirrors Properly

In feng shui, a mirror should not reflect you while you're in bed, and it should not be placed directly across from the door. Instead, position it perpendicular to or beside the bed or door.

Keep the Space Under Your Bed Clear

Feng shui holds that the space under your bed should be clear and empty to allow chi to flow freely while you sleep.

Choose Your Own Bedroom Colours

Colours that will add good feng shui to your bedroom are the hues you love most. Choose colours that match your intention for the space. For example, peach and pink in the bedroom are colours meant to attract a partner.

While these are general guidelines for ideal bed placement according to feng shui, it's important to note that the specific recommendations may vary depending on other factors. Additionally, there is limited scientific research supporting the claims made by feng shui and similar practices.

The influence of direction on sleep in the Southern Hemisphere

The ancient Hindu practice of Vastu Shastra and the Chinese discipline of Feng Shui propose that the direction in which we sleep can affect our health and wellbeing. Both philosophies suggest that the Earth's magnetic field, which runs from north to south, interacts with the human body's own magnetic energy.

According to Vastu Shastra, the north is the worst direction to sleep in. This is because, when you sleep facing north, the positive pole of the Earth coincides with the positive pole of your body, which is located in your head. This results in a repelling force that can cause nightmares, sleep disorders, and tiredness. From a spiritual perspective, this sleeping direction is also considered impure in Hindu tradition, as it is believed that the soul leaves the body and travels north upon death.

However, these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence. Modern science tells us that the influence of terrestrial magnetism on the human body is negligible, as the power of the Earth's magnetic field is too low to have any noticeable effect.

Now, what about the influence of direction on sleep in the Southern Hemisphere? According to Vastu Shastra, the optimal sleeping direction is determined by the Earth's electromagnetic field. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is recommended to sleep with your head pointed south. This is because your head functions as the north pole of your body, and opposite poles attract. Sleeping in this direction aligns your body's magnetic energy with that of the Earth, promoting better sleep and health.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite principle applies due to the polarity rule. Here, the optimal direction for the head of the bed is the north side. This means that sleeping with your head pointed north and your feet pointed south is considered beneficial in this part of the world.

While there is limited scientific research on the health effects of sleeping directions, one study found that people who slept in a north-south orientation (with their heads pointed south in the Northern Hemisphere or north in the Southern Hemisphere) experienced improved sleep quality and lower blood pressure compared to those who slept in an east-west direction.

In conclusion, while the ancient traditions of Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui suggest that sleeping facing north should be avoided, these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence. However, when it comes to the influence of direction on sleep in the Southern Hemisphere, Vastu Shastra recommends sleeping with your head pointed north to align with the Earth's electromagnetic field.

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