We all know that Feng Shui can help us arrange our living and working spaces better to promote harmony and balance, positive energy, better health, good fortune and even prosperity. But did you know it can also help with your sleep?

The Theory

The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui focuses on energy and placement in everyday life, channelingenergy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. It has been used for centuries to suggest the best positioning and orientation of buildings, homes and in particular, places of spiritual significance such as burial plots and tombs, and remains an extremely popular practice with corporate architects to this day. The aim is to align a place or object with yin-yang force fields, because when we’re in harmony with this energy, we achieve a greater state of well-being.

The Practice

The great news is that this philosophy can be put into practice to improve sleep quality. Our bedrooms are where we focus on health and rejuvenation, where our bodies restore and renew. And we spend a long time in bed - so a relaxing and minimal-stress layout will help us achieve a better night’s sleep. When we sleep we’re in a state of yin (passive) which makes us more receptive to any energies around us. So, when configuring your bedroom furniture, set up your bed in what’s known as ‘the command position’ for good Feng Shui. This means against a wall, with clear walking space around all three sides, and a clear view of the door to help lower stress levels, and maximize your sense of security and control.  If you are unable to see the door from your bed, use a mirror (free standing ones are great for this!) so you can see the door in its reflection.

The two key factors here are location of the bedroom and the direction of the furniture - both vital to the free flow of energy that is essential for a good night’s sleep. If you face your bed in the wrong direction, chances are you’ll get negative energy flowing into your bedroom. So all we need, quite literally, is a bit of ‘direction’!

Best and Worst Sleeping Directions

Headboard north and bed facing south: this can be one of the best directions for your bed to face, so that you sleep along the north-south axis. You’ll have a better quality sleep, wake up feeling less lethargic, and it may even help channel wealth. However, so much energy is surrounding a south-facing bed that it may cause an environment that is too tense - so if you find yourself in too many heated arguments with your bed facing south, choose another direction.

Headboard south and bed facing north: for older sleepers, this position can promote tranquility and calm. But for most of us it’s a big ‘no’ - we should avoid sleeping with our heads facing north, as the North Poles of the body and Earth will repel each other. This can affect blood circulation, drain energy, and cause stress and anxiety.

Headboard west and bed facing east: this position is all about new dawns and positivity in our working lives. It represents creativity, ambition and growth, as well as new beginnings. If you need some help with your career, this one’s for you. Your mind may feel super busy and take a little longer to quieten down, but it’s still an ideal positioning, especially if you are younger.

Headboard east and bed facing west: When you face your bed west, you create some ideal conditions for a good night’s sleep as west is all about contentment. But because too much contentment may stifle ambition, this one is more suited to those of us who already have a good career going.

Turn your bed slightly, to face the south-east if you struggle to communicate with others. The energy that enters your room from this direction can really improve your communication skills, and an added bonus is that this position can also result in a more creative, active lifestyle.

Turn it to face the south-west if you feel restless.You need to feel relaxed to sleep well and this positioning supports peace and calm. The added bonus here is it can help you feel more settled in life and your relationships.

What the studies have shown

A study was carried out over three months comparing the sleep quality of people who slept in an east-west direction and those who slept in a north-south direction. The results showed that those who slept in the north-south orientation had lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, and achieved a longer sleep overall.The researchers concluded that improved sleep quality could therefore be achieved by sleeping in alignment with the Earth’s electromagnetic field.

More Feng Shui tips for a better sleep

• Doorways: Put your bed on the opposite side of the doorway. It can be facing the doorway but not directly in line with it. Having your bed on the same wall as your door is thought to cause anxiety and you won’t get a decent quality of sleep.
• Walls: Neutrals rule here - paint your walls a soft shade like white or cream, and make sure your bed is against a wall (not underneath a window).
• Bookshelves and mirrors: While most bedrooms will have a mirror or two, and it’s always nice to have a read before we fall asleep, it’s best to keep bookshelves and mirrors out of the direct line of your bed. (See above for mirror placement to allow you to see your door.)
• Closets: You may want to look at your designer collection as you fall asleep or wake up, but honestly, just close the closet and free your mind.
• Clutter: No surprise here - not just from a safety aspect, but Marie Kondo is so right - do away with clutter around your sleeping space where possible as this can make you feel overwhelmed. It will help with energy flow and make you so much happier each time you walk into your room.
• Electronics: We’ve championed this before, but here’s a reminder to keep electronics out of the room, especially TVs, phones, chargers and laptops. They make you stay awake longer and mess up your circadian rhythm.
• Windows: It’s always good to open your windows and air your room during the day, but Feng Shui philosophy advises keeping windows shut at night. Energy entering or leaving via the windows can disrupt sleep, so try to avoid positioning your bed in front of a window. If you have to, a high bed is best, with a solid headboard. Choose curtains or drapes that are thick and easy to open and close, to provide energetic support and serve as a security reinforcement layer.

PLEASE NOTE: this information is relevant to those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere!

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESEARCHING FURTHER IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS SUBJECT***

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