5 simple hacks to sleep well every night

You slept for 8 hours last night, but your body feels stiff, and your mind feels stuck. Sleeping looks like just lying down and closing your eyes. But it’s not the complete picture. Sleep follows the rhythms of your body and aligns with the energy of the universe. Ancient traditions like Vastu and Ayurveda have studied this long before. They noticed how direction, timing, space, and posture affect the way we rest. This guide shares five simple hacks so that you can sleep well. Small changes that help the body do what it already knows how to do. 

1. Choosing the Right Direction for Sleeping

Your body is a magnet which responds to the Earth’s magnetic field. Sleeping with your head facing north for long hours can create pressure in the brain because it goes against the Earth’s magnetic field. So, the best directions to sleep are East, Northeast, and West. 

If you live in the Northern hemisphere, then you must avoid the North direction. And if you live in the Southern hemisphere, avoid sleeping with your head facing the South direction.

2. Have a Nighttime Sleep Routine

Having a night routine acts like a buffer, which prepares your mind and body for sleeping. Creating a peaceful transition from the busyness of the day to a restful sleep. Let’s look at some pre-sleep Vedic rituals that help you unwind and connect with the universal energy.

• Light a lamp in the Southeast corner (Agni direction) to purify energy. It clears away negative and stagnant energy from your space. Just as you watch the flame flicker, you’ll feel the voices within your head becoming quieter.

• Using calming scents like sandalwood and lavender promotes the quality of sleep. You can either use essential oils with a diffuser or burn incense. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

• Practice moon gazing for a few minutes to connect with the lunar energy. The moon’s soft, cool light has a naturally calming effect. And it also helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

• End your night routine with a simple mantra or gratitude prayer. Thanking the universe for all the blessings you’ve received through the day.

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3. Know the Right Timing 

According to Ayurveda, when you eat is as important as what you eat. It’s working with the natural rhythms of the day and your body’s internal clock. 

6 - 10 PM is kapha time. Your body starts to slow down in preparation for the night. It’s an ideal time for having dinner, but you should still avoid rich and heavy meals during this time. There is enough time for your body to digest the food before sleeping.

10 PM - 2 AM is pitta time. It’s the deep sleep phase. Your body shifts into repair mode. The liver detoxifies, and the cells regenerate. But if you are still digesting a heavy meal, your body can’t focus on healing. 

To sleep well, eat at least 2-3 hours before you go to bed. So that you wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and energized.

4. Optimise Your Bedroom 

Think of your bedroom like a recharge station. The energy of all the elements in your bedroom influences the quality of your sleep. Here are some tips for optimizing your bedroom for the perfect sleep:

• Place the bedroom in the Southwest corner of your house. The energy of the Southwest is grounding and stable, promoting a deep restful sleep.

• Keep the bed away from the door. When the bed faces the door, the mind does not rest. As if it’s keeping a watch. When the door is not on your path, your body feels safe, and you sleep better.

• Clear the space. Each thing asks for attention and tires the mind. Leave as much space as possible, so the room can be quiet and the body can finally rest.

• Choose calming colours like soft blue, green, and lavender for the interiors. These colours can make you feel relaxed and calm your nervous system.

• Never hang a mirror directly facing your bed. They amplify the energy and can make you feel restless during sleep.

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5. Which side is better to sleep on?

Are you a side sleeper or do you like sleeping on your back? Did you know that a simple choice like which side to sleep on can affect your digestion, sleep quality and overall energy?

• Left Side Sleeping

Your stomach and pancreas are located on the left side, so gravity actually aids in digestion. Reduces bloating and acid reflux. Also improves heart health by allowing a free flow of blood.

• Right Side Sleeping

If you have a heart condition, doctors may recommend sleeping on your right side, as it reduces pressure on the heart itself.

• Back Sleeping

It’s the neutral position. Keeps the spine aligned and reduces pressure on the joints. However, it can worsen snoring and breathing problems.

• Stomach Sleeping

Sleeping on your stomach puts extra pressure on your organs. And chances are that you are going to wake up with neck and back pain. 

Remember that sleeping well is not a reward. Small things like the direction of the bedroom, placement of the bed, the time you eat dinner, and the side you sleep on can influence your sleep quality. And when you sleep well, you feel more energized, positive, and clear. By following these tips, you allow your body to relax and get the rest it deserves.

FAQs

Q1. Which direction is good for sleeping according to Vastu?

Sleeping with your head in the South direction naturally aligns with the magnetic field of Earth. The East is also a good option for students and spiritual seekers.

Q2. How do I get a good night's sleep when stressed or anxious?

When you’re stressed, it’s best to clear your head by journaling, talking to a friend, or moon gazing. It tells your brain that it’s safe to rest and you can finally let go.

Q3. Why can’t I sleep well even when I am exhausted?

Even though you are physically exhausted, your body is in alert mode due to increased cortisol. This could be due to an irregular sleep cycle or late-night scrolling. 

Q4. How to sleep well while working night shifts?

Try to create complete darkness in your room during the day with blackout curtains and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Q5. Which side is better to sleep on according to Ayurveda?

Ayurveda recommends sleeping on your left side, as it aids digestion, improves heart health, and supports the body’s natural healing.