”The way you sleep creates the way you wake.”

According to Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of harmonious living, one should never sleep with the head toward the geographic North. Is this notion a traditional belief, or is it founded on reason? In this article, you will discover common sense science, cultural verdicts, tips, and tricks behind the vibration that comes from sleeping with the head toward the North, which tends to impair your mind and body.

The human body is occasionally regarded as a small magnet in Vastu. When you point your head containing iron in your blood to Earth’s magnetic north, similar poles repel each other. This subtle yet continuous push interferes with the flow of blood, nerve signals, and the quality of sleep. Place your head in line with the geomagnetic south or east, as this creates a smoother flow that allows you to wake up energized. 

1. Earth Magnetic Field and Your Body

North–South polarity: The Earth functions like a giant bar magnet, with magnetic north located near the geographic South Pole. Your body carries microcurrents of electricity, so blood rich in iron behaves like a fluid magnet.

As poles repel: Two north poles face each other when the head, or the heaviest part of a body magnet, goes north. This repulsion is insignificant yet persistent throughout the hours of sleep.

Possible effects: Modern studies on sleep associate this placement with lighter stages of sleep, greater heart rate, and fatigue in the morning.

2. Vastu Shastra Perspective

Vastu divides a given space into eight cardinal directions, each associated with a planet and an element. The north is governed by Kubera, the god of wealth, and conversely, water is its element. Although it is an auspicious direction for keeping safes and study desks, some Vastu scriptures, such as the Brihat Samhita, consider sleeping with the head in the north direction can drain vitality (Prana) and health.

Important points from the point of view of Traditional Vastu:

• The north direction is said to draw energy away from the head, which causes unstable minds.
• The South being regarded as the lord of death and sleep, rejuvenating precious sleep can be rested with the head there.
• The east direction is favorable for learning, therefore students are told to sleep with their heads facing the east.

3. Modern Medical Insights

However, until a large-scale experimental study is undertaken on this subject, small observational trials suggest some degree of correlation between northward sleep and high blood pressure. Cardiologists assert that with the head toward the south, blood flows much more smoothly from the head toward feet, thereby easing the workload on the heart; in the same vein. Neurologists also have noted slightly better REM sleep in people who turn their backs against the north.

3A. Cultural and Historical Aspects:

Ancient travelers and monks wouldn’t set up any camp without carrying a simple iron needle to know the proper direction. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic travel diaries that soldiers during the Mauryan empire were ordered to set their camp with the head facing south so that “the pulse of the earth might heal the fatigue of battle.” Chinese Feng Shui, though developed independently, is aligned with this suggestion, hinting at a universal concept at work.

4. Benefits of Sleeping South or East

5. Practical Bedroom Tips

• Turn the bed around: In case the headboard is anchored on the north wall, rotate the entire bed 180 degrees.
• Use a compass app: Check for true north. Magnetic declination in India is slight and usually below one degree.
• Keep metals away: Avoid placing heavy iron wardrobes at the bed-head side, as they enhance the undesired magnetic pull.
• Grounding décor: Paint the south side wall with earthy colors such as brownish-red, soft browns, or others for anchoring restful vibes.
• Declutter under the bed: Clear airflow enables healthy circulation of pran. It fits well with the head direction. 

FAQs

Q1. What if my room layout forces my head to the north?

Try to sleep diagonally so that your head is directed northeast or northwest. Even a 45-degree shift controls magnetic repulsion.

Q2. Would the rule be different when in the Southern Hemisphere?

Yes. In the southern hemisphere, the magnetic field works differently. So, sleeping head south can be the worst option, as it will interfere with natural alignment.

Q3. Would a north-facing baby crib harm infants?

Infants are more sensitive to magnetic influence. Position the crib such that the baby’s head faces south or east.

Q4. How quickly can one feel a shift after changing sleeping position?

Research suggests that one can feel within several days. 

Q5. Which direction should side sleepers face for better sleep?

It doesn’t matter whether you sleep on the right side or left side, what matters is you should never sleep with your head towards the north as it can disrupt the flow of energy.

Personal Insight

• Avoid sleeping with head to the North to be compliant with both Vastu wisdom and magnetic logic.
• Choose South for the best rest and East for energetic mornings. 
• Some small changes such as shifting furniture or moving diagonally while sleeping can change the recharge process.

Ready for Deeper Vastu Insights? 

DivyVastu focuses on Logical Solutions for Growth-Driven Spaces. Book a personalized Vastu consultation or enroll in one of our Logical-based courses to make every aspect of your home become an equation for success.

Would you like to become a billionaire of well-being? Make sure to start today by keeping your pillow away from the north and wake up to a bright and energetic day.