As per vastu, the east and south are the directions to keep your head while sleeping, though it is not scientifically proven. Science says that we must sleep on our left side position for good health and to keep our airways open and prevent acid reflux.

People in India often ask questions like “Which side is better to sleep on?” or “Which direction is good for sleeping?” Some of the answer comes from tradition, like Vastu Shastra, and some comes from new research on sleep.

If you snore or have sleep apnea, the way you sleep and the direction you sleep in can affect how rested you feel in the morning.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the best way to sleep based on science, what Vastu says about sleeping direction, and how to combine both with good sleep habits, especially if you use CPAP or think you might have sleep apnea.

What Does It Matter Which Way You Sleep?

Vastu Shastra and feng shui say that the way you sleep can affect your energy, mood, and long-term health. Vastu usually says to line up the head and feet with the Earth’s magnetic field, while feng shui is more about how energy (chi) flows in a room.

Science today is more careful. Some small studies have found that changing the direction of your sleep position (for example, north-south vs. east-west) can slightly change brain activity or blood pressure. However, the results are mixed and not strong enough to say that there is one “correct direction to sleep” for everyone.

What is certain is this:

• Sleeping on your side can help with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms.
• For a lot of people, sleeping on their backs (supine) makes OSA worse.
• Most adults will feel better if they sleep with their head slightly raised and their spine straight.

So, the direction of your compass is less important than how you sleep, how you breathe, and how your whole sleep environment is. But if a certain direction helps you sleep better, you can use it.

Vastu Shastra Says That the Best Way to Sleep is in this Direction.

If you want to know, “the best direction to sleep in according to Vastu?” or “Which way should we not sleep?” Here’s a simple rule that most people agree on:

• Sleeping with your head to the South

In India, this is often thought to be the best way to sleep. Many Vastu experts say that sleeping with your head to the south helps you sleep better, feel more stable, and be healthier overall. From a Vastu point of view, this is why questions like “Is sleeping in the south direction good?” usually get a “yes”.

• Head to the East when you sleep.

This is thought to be good for students and professionals. People think that sleeping with your head facing east helps you stay awake, learn, and start the day off right.

• Sleeping in the west

Sometimes suggested for people in charge or under a lot of stress. People say that it helps with ambition and career growth, but it’s not as widely promoted as East or South.

• Going north (head to the North) is generally not a good idea.

Old-fashioned Vastu advice makes it clear that we should not sleep in this direction. Many people don’t sleep with their heads facing North because they think it will mess up their sleep and energy balance.

You can think of these as cultural rules when it comes to health and safety. If they matter to you and are easy to follow, it’s fine to set up your bed that way.

The Best Way to Sleep According to Science

If you type in “which direction to sleep scientifically” or “what is the best direction to sleep?” The honest answer is that there is no one “scientifically proven” compass direction that works for everyone.

Some newer studies say that sleeping north-south instead of east-west might make your sleep or blood pressure a little better, maybe because of the Earth’s electromagnetic field.

But other studies show that there isn’t much of a difference.

That’s why a lot of sleep experts say:

Focus less on magnetic north and more on:

• Sleeping on your side, back, or stomach
• A bedroom that is dark, quiet, and cool
• A mattress and pillow that support you
• Regular times for going to bed and waking up

So, from a scientific point of view, the “good sleeping direction“ is the one that

1. Keep your head in a healthy position while you sleep (slightly elevated, neutral neck).
2. Supports a comfortable position that you can keep all night.
3. Lessens snoring, holding your breath, or pain.

If you Snore or Have Sleep Apnea, which Side is Better to Sleep On?

For people who snore loudly, think they have OSA, or are already using CPAP, the question “Which side is better to sleep?” is more important than north, south, east, or west.

According to research-backed advice:

Sleeping on your side (either right or left)

• People with OSA often sleep best on their side.
• Helps keep the airway open and cuts down on the number of times you stop breathing.
• Can make snoring quieter and raise oxygen levels.

Sleeping on your back (supine)

• This is usually the worst position for sleep apnea because the tongue and soft tissues fall back and make it easier to block the airway.
• So, if you have OSA, this is the side we shouldn’t sleep on, even if the compass direction is “correct”.

The left side vs the right side

• Some research suggests that the right side may help lower the number of apnea events in some heart conditions.
• If you have acid reflux or are pregnant, the left side might be better.

If you use a CPAP machine, you should sleep in the best way for you scientifically (after trying different things) with:

• Lying on your side
• A mask that fits well and doesn’t leak much
• Slightly raising the head

These things are much more important than which way your head is facing.

How to Find the Best Way for you to Sleep

Still asking yourself, “Which way is best for me to sleep?” Try this useful method

1. Choose options that are good for Vastu first.

If tradition is important in your home, you could try sleeping with your head facing south or east. Culturally, these directions are thought to be good for sleeping.

2. Choose a healthy body position.

Choose the best position for us to sleep in based on our health:

• Sleep on your side with your legs slightly bent.
• Head slightly raised and neck neutral
• If you have lower back pain, put a pillow between your knees.

3. Try out different directions for a week at a time.

If you can, turn the bed or at least your pillow so that:

• Week 1: Go South
• Week 2: Go East
• Week 3: Go West or North (if you’re okay with it)

Keep a simple sleep diary that includes the time you go to bed, the times you wake up during the night, and how rested you feel.

4. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Your own experience will tell you which way is better for you to sleep and which way is not good for you to sleep.

5. Don’t ignore signs that something is wrong.

If you wake up choking, gasping, with headaches in the morning, or too much sleepiness during the day, you probably have sleep apnea, not just sleeping in the wrong direction. If that’s the case, don’t just move the bed; talk to a sleep expert or set up a sleep study.