Best direction for Sleep

I understand that some of you may not be planning to move home or invest in property at this time. Therefore, in my first article of 2026, I would like to share a topic slightly different from my usual focus—the direction of sleep.

On average, a person sleeps about seven to eight hours a day, which accounts for nearly one-third of our daily life. This is almost equivalent to the amount of time we spend working, excluding commuting and meals. As such, sleep quality and sleeping habits can have a significant impact on our health, daily life, and even long-term wealth.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) 

Sun Simiao孫思邈, the "King of Medicine" from the Tang Dynasty 唐代「藥王, proposed a very famous principle in his book 《千金要方》Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold : "When sleeping, one head should face East in Spring and Summer, and West in Autumn and Winter.". As Singapore does not have four seasons, it is simpler to apply the Spring or Summer principle, where sleeping with the head facing East is generally recommended.

Other than East. there are also schools of thought that recommend facing North. In TCM theory, the North corresponds to Water (Yin), and the South corresponds to Fire (Yang). Sleeping with the head toward the North (Yin position) can cool the "fire," while pointing the feet toward the South (Yang position) can warm the Yang. This is called "The Harmony of Water and Fire" (水火既濟), which helps balance Yin and Yang and improves sleep quality. However, this is not suitable for those with a deficiency of Yang energy in the head.

In summary, from the perspective of TCM:

• Best overall direction is East. 

• If you have a constitution that tends towards heat or have excessive Yang energy(always feel hot), you may consider pointing your head toward the North. 

• If you have a deficiency of Yang energy(always feel cold), you may consider pointing your head toward the South. Chinese Feng Shui

In ancient China, Feng Shui and Traditional Chinese Medicine were very similar schools of thought. This connection is reflected in how the direction of your head during sleep can affect your health and energy.

• Facing North (Water Element): In Feng Shui, the North belongs to the Water element, which governs stillness and wisdom. Sleeping with your head to the North helps with calming the mind and settling one's thoughts. This is highly recommended for those suffering from insomnia or high stress.

• Facing East (Wood Element): The East represents the concept of "紫氣東來" (auspicious purple energy rising from the East). This is the most neutral and positive direction, making it ideal for young people and entrepreneurs, as it symbolizes a day filled with vitality and hope.

• Facing West(Metal Element):The West represents the setting sun and, in many traditions, the "Pure Land" (Western Paradise) where souls go after death. Directing your head toward the West carries the ominous connotation of "Returning to the West" (a euphemism for passing away). Because the sun sets in the West, this direction can evoke a "gloomy" or "lifeless" feeling, potentially draining one's drive and vitality. Sleeping in this direction can easily lead to laziness or lethargy, as the energy (Qi) tends to "sink" or decline.

• Facing South (Fire Element): In Feng Shui, the South belongs to the Fire element and carries heavy Yang energy. This direction is beneficial for those whose elemental profile favors Fire or those with a Yang deficiency (such as people who often feel cold or lack energy). However, if your constitution is naturally "hot" or your elemental profile conflicts with Fire, this direction may worsen your discomfort.

India Culture

In Indian culture, placing the head of the bed toward the East or South is considered auspicious, promoting health and good fortune. Conversely, sleeping with the head toward the North is a major taboo, as it is associated with the God of Death and the positioning of corpses.

According to Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), sleeping with your head to the East aligns you with the sun's energy, bringing refreshment and vitality. This aligns with the auspicious symbolism of "the sun rising in the East." In this tradition, it is believed that "sleeping with the head to the North invites disease."

• Head Toward the East (Auspicious): The East represents light, rebirth, and vitality. This direction helps refresh the spirit and brings good luck.

• Head Toward the South (Auspicious): The South is traditionally considered a suitable direction for sleep, providing a sense of mental clarity and refreshment upon waking.

• Head Toward the West (Unfavorable): The West is seen as the resting place of souls. Sleeping with the head to the West may trigger nightmares or insomnia and is generally considered unlucky.

• Head Toward the North (Major Taboo): This is the direction most strictly avoided. In Indian mythology, it is linked to the story of Lord Ganesha, whose original head was removed; a replacement head was sought from the first creature found facing North. Consequently, the North symbolizes death, and it is a custom that only corpses are laid with the head to the North and feet to the South.

Comparative Wisdom on Sleeping Orientations

The two largest nations in Asia, both home to ancient human civilizations, agree on one thing: the best sleeping orientation is facing East (head to the East), while the least favorable is facing West. The point of divergence lies in the North and South directions:

• Indian Culture: Views the North as inauspicious and the South as auspicious.

• Chinese Residential Feng Shui: Generally considers the North auspicious, while the suitability of the South depends on specific circumstances.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Focuses on an individual's physical constitution. For example, if you have "excessive Yang energy" (heat), the North is suitable. This applies to people like chefs or those who work long hours under the sun, such as farmers and traffic police. Conversely, those who lead sedentary lifestyles and spend long hours in air-conditioning are better suited to facing South.
  

Practical Advice

Of course, these are theoretical frameworks. If you are already sleeping with your head to the East, you are likely in a good position. However, if you feel that your life or health is not "flowing" smoothly—and if your home layout allows for it—you might try changing your orientation based on your specific situation.