You can't sleep with your feet facing west and your head facing east? Is there really a rule for sleeping directions?

People have to sleep every day, but have you ever paid attention to the direction you sleep in?

Someone said, "If you want to sleep comfortably, don't lie with your head facing west and your feet facing east."

Some people also say that you should sleep in the direction of the earth's magnetic field, with your head to the north and your feet to the south.

These statements and theories seem to make sense. For example, sleeping in a north-south direction follows the rhythm of the so-called earth's magnetic field, while sleeping in an east-west direction is horizontal and will be affected by the magnetic field, and may even cause insomnia...

Today we are going to talk about sleeping.

Can’t you sleep with your feet facing west and your head facing east?

Let us first understand the Earth’s magnetic field.

The Earth's north and south magnetic poles are not exactly south or north, but have a certain inclination angle. At every point on the Earth, the direction of the Earth's magnetic field lines is not exactly south or north. Moreover, the direction of the Earth's magnetic field lines at the same point will change regardless of the seasons or day and night.

Obviously, it is impossible for a house to change its orientation at any time, and few people would adjust the orientation of their bed all the time. So does the Earth's magnetic field have an impact on sleep?

Some scholars believe that the human body can be regarded as a magnet with weak magnetism. It is best to sleep along the direction of the magnetic lines. If the direction is inconsistent, it will be affected by the earth's magnetic field force, although this force is very small and the individual may not be able to perceive it.

It is worth noting that the horizontal tangent direction of the magnetic line of force is not due south or due north, but there is a certain angle, namely the magnetic declination. Therefore, the so-called sleeping direction is not due south or due north in the strict sense.

Since individuals come to this world, they will gradually adapt to the environment and establish a certain balance suitable for the local magnetic field conditions. Sometimes, this magnetic field balance will be broken. For example, when there are sudden changes in the external magnetic field, such as the violent activity of the sun producing a large number of sunspots and flares, causing magnetic storms, the change in skin potential will affect the human nervous system, the tension of the main part of the sympathetic nerves of the autonomic nervous system will increase, and patients with mental illness are prone to fluctuations in their condition. For example, traveling across time zones and moving can also easily cause sleep disorders.

However, the exact relationship between geomagnetism and sleep is still under study and there is no conclusion yet, so it is difficult to conclude whether "orientation will affect sleep."

Instead of worrying too much about the orientation, it is more important to adjust to the most comfortable sleeping position or consider other factors that affect sleep.

What are the factors that affect sleep?

Some of these factors are controllable and adjustable, such as room temperature, humidity, light, room layout, bedding, etc.

Suitable temperature: The temperature is generally around 26℃, depending on your personal comfort.

In a pure natural environment without light pollution, sleeping only requires following the natural light. However, when the environment is full of various light interferences, creating a dark environment for sleeping and a bright environment after waking up can only be done by humans. For example, curtains with blackout cloth and no low lights on all the time.

The room should be as simple as possible. Don't add a lot of "favorite" items. For example, in a child's bedroom, many families put their favorite toys and dolls in it. In fact, favorite toys will only make people more energetic, rather than sleep well without distractions.

Suitable bedding is very important. Many bedding products on the market are developing in the direction of being refined and in line with the characteristics of human ergonomics. In fact, there is no absolutely good bedding. You should choose the one that suits you. For example, people with lumbar problems are recommended to have a slightly harder mattress. The material and height of the pillow should take into account body shape and cervical spine problems.

What are the requirements for sleeping posture?

We can arrange the bedroom into a small environment that is more conducive to sleep, and the sleeping posture is also very important. So what is the correct sleeping posture? There are many different answers on the Internet.

In fact, there is no universal and best sleeping position for everyone. It depends on each person's situation.

When sleeping, you should choose the most comfortable position that makes your body and mind feel most relaxed.

What really needs attention is that some patients must restrict their posture, such as patients with sleep apnea and snoring, who should avoid lying on their back as much as possible. The supine position is also not recommended for those in late pregnancy.

How to fall asleep quickly?

Relax your body and mind. Before going to bed, use relaxation, self-hypnosis, mindfulness and other methods to quickly relax yourself and "relax your body and mind", which will help you fall asleep quickly.

Establish conditioned reflexes. You can try to maintain two or so "sleep rituals" for a period of time, one main and one alternative. For example, some people "rub the pillow with their fingers" before going to bed, and some people silently recite "123" before going to bed. These help strengthen the conditioned reflex of falling asleep, but if the conditioned reflex is strong enough, the so-called sleep ritual is dispensable.

Psychological suggestion. "I believe that I can sleep well in this environment." This idea will have a strong suggestion effect, which will make you relax physically and mentally and fall asleep sweetly. Excessive concern about the direction of bedtime will make you overly alert and difficult to fall asleep.

Want to have a good sleep

The key is to create a good environment

Too many issues to worry about

It will affect sleep

Author: Jiang Fan, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine/Sleep Disorders, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Master of Medicine

Reviewer: Dr. Chen Haixu, Regenerative Medicine, Associate Researcher, Second Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

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