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In Which Direction Should We Sleep? A Comprehensive Guide to Better Rest

In Which Direction Should We Sleep? A Comprehensive Guide to Better Rest

Have you ever found yourself tossing and turning, counting sheep until dawn? Or perhaps you wake up feeling even more exhausted than when you went to bed. While we often chalk it up to stress or a late-night cuppa, there's a lesser-known possibility worth considering: the direction you sleep in. It might sound a bit like a stretch there, but stay with us. This fascinating topic has been explored across cultures for centuries, and there may be more to it than meets the eye. Could simply changing the way you're positioned in bed really improve your rest?

In this guide, we’ll explore the potential benefits (and drawbacks) of different sleeping directions, helping you understand whether reorienting your sleep setup could lead to a deeper, more restorative night’s rest.

The Silent Sleep Saboteur: Could Your Sleeping Direction Be To Blame?

Most of us experience sleep troubles from time to time. It might be the struggle to fall asleep, frequent tossing and turning, or waking up feeling groggy despite getting what should be a full night’s rest. While stress, diet, and your bedroom environment are common culprits, there’s one factor many people overlook: the direction you sleep in.

Take the case of a gentleman who struggled with chronic insomnia. He tried everything from herbal teas to meditation to counting backwards from a thousand. Nothing seemed to help. Then, almost on a whim, he rearranged his bedroom and changed the direction he slept in. Within days, his sleep began to improve. Was it a coincidence? Perhaps. But it does raise an interesting question. Could your sleeping direction really be playing a role?

Some believe that your sleep orientation may influence how your body responds to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), which are all around us in modern homes. According to this view, certain directions may reduce the impact of these fields on the body while you sleep. It is a debated idea, but one that may be worth considering, especially if you’ve tried everything else and still wake up feeling unrested.

Beyond Tiredness: The Ripple Effect of Poor Sleep

An occasional restless night is perfectly normal, but when poor sleep becomes a regular pattern, it can start to affect more than just your energy levels. Ongoing sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you feel groggy or irritable, it can have a real impact on your long-term health and quality of life.

Here are just a few ways it can take a toll:

  • Lowered immunity, making you more prone to colds and infections

  • Higher risk of heart-related issues, including cardiovascular disease

  • Mood swings and irritability, which can affect your relationships and daily life

  • Difficulty concentrating, along with memory lapses and reduced focus

  • Slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents

If you’ve been struggling with sleep for a while, it may be worth looking at all potential factors, including your sleeping direction.

Decoding the Compass: Exploring Different Sleeping Orientations

Okay, now we've established that sleeping direction might be more important than one thinks. So, which way should one be sleeping? Let's delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of each direction.

Sleeping North: Benefits and Potential Drawbacks

In some traditional belief systems, particularly Ayurveda, sleeping with your head pointing north is generally discouraged. The reasoning is based on the Earth's magnetic field. It's believed that sleeping with your head aligned with the magnetic north can disrupt your body's magnetic field, potentially leading to:

  • Restless sleep

  • Headaches

  • Increased blood pressure

Sleeping South: Grounding and Rejuvenation

In contrast to sleeping north, many traditions favour sleeping with your head pointing south. This direction is often associated with:

  • Improved sleep quality

  • Increased energy levels

  • Better overall health

The theory is that aligning oneself with the Earth's magnetic field promotes a sense of grounding and allows the body to rejuvenate properly during sleep. It's even been suggested that this helps prevent nightmares.

Sleeping East: New Beginnings and Vitality

Sleeping with your head pointing east is often associated with new beginnings, vitality, and spiritual growth. Some believe that this direction helps one wake up feeling refreshed and energised, ready to tackle the day ahead. It's also considered a particularly good direction for early risers. However, it might not be ideal for those who struggle to fall asleep easily, as it could potentially make one feel too energised!

Sleeping West: Relaxation and Letting Go

Sleeping with your head pointing west is often associated with relaxation, letting go, and emotional healing. It's believed that this direction can help calm the mind and promote restful sleep, making it a good choice for those who suffer from anxiety or stress. However, some people might find that it makes them feel sluggish or unmotivated in the morning.

It's Not One-Size-Fits-All: Personalising Your Sleep Orientation

Let's be honest, there's no magic compass setting that guarantees a perfect night's sleep for everyone. The "best" sleeping direction for me might be completely different from you. So, what factors should one consider?

  • Body constitution (Ayurvedic doshas): In Ayurveda, different body types (doshas) are believed to benefit from different sleeping directions.

  • Pre-existing health conditions: Certain health issues might make one sleeping direction more comfortable than others.

  • Personal preferences and intuition: Ultimately, the most important factor is how you feel.

  • Geographic location: The Earth's magnetic field varies depending on your location, so the optimal sleeping direction might also change.

Environmental Energy: Why Room Layout Still Matters

For many, sleep quality isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about creating the right energy flow in the bedroom. That’s where feng shui comes in. This traditional Chinese practice is centred around harmony and balance in your surroundings. For those who follow it, the way your bedroom is arranged, including the direction your bed faces, can have a big impact on how well you rest.

Feng shui principles often suggest keeping the head of the bed against a solid wall, avoiding mirrors that directly face the bed, and ensuring the bed isn’t aligned with the door. The goal is to create a restful environment where energy (or chi) can flow freely without disruption. If changing your sleeping direction isn’t practical due to room constraints, adjusting your layout with feng shui in mind may still help improve your rest.

Other environmental factors can also make a difference. For example, reducing EMF exposure by switching off electronic devices at night or avoiding metal spring mattresses that may amplify EMFs! This means it can be beneficial for sensitive sleepers.

Testing the Waters: Practical Steps to Finding Your Perfect Alignment

Curious to try a new sleep orientation? You don’t need to redesign your whole bedroom overnight. Even a slight rotation of your bed can help you notice a difference. Keep a simple sleep diary to track how you feel each morning, and pay attention to how rested you feel in each position.

To help you ease into the shift:

  • Declutter your space: Improves energy flow and creates a calming sleep environment.

  • Rearrange your furniture: Gradually test what feels most balanced and inviting.

  • Use a compass: To accurately determine the direction your bed is facing.

  • Reduce EMF exposure: Turn off electronic devices before bed, or consider using EMF-blocking materials. Consider switching from a metal spring mattress to a natural latex one, as metal coils can amplify EMFs. 

  • Create a dark, quiet, and cool environment: Use blackout curtains, earplugs, and a white noise machine to optimise your sleep environment.

Tuning into your body is key. What works for someone else might not work for you, and the best direction is the one that leaves you waking up refreshed and ready for the day.

The Bigger Picture: Complementary Strategies for a Restful Night

While sleeping direction can be a helpful tool, it's just one piece of the puzzle. To truly optimise your sleep, it's important to adopt a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of your sleep health. Below are a few complementary strategies for getting that ever-elusive restful night's sleep:

  • Establish a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.

  • Practise relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind before bed.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: These substances can interfere with your sleep cycle.

  • Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid heavy meals and sugary snacks before bed.

  • Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

Sleep health encompasses environmental factors, diet, and daily routines. 

A Bed for Better Rest: Selecting a Mattress for Optimal Sleep, Comfort and Alignment

After delving into the intriguing world of sleeping directions, a question arises: how to attain the ultimate rest? Achieving truly restful sleep is a multifaceted endeavour. However, even with perfect alignment, a subpar mattress can undermine your efforts, regardless of which direction we should sleep. Choosing the right mattress is paramount; it's the foundation upon which healthy sleep is built. A good mattress should provide adequate support to maintain proper spinal alignment, offer a level of comfort that allows you to relax fully, be constructed from materials that promote breathability and temperature regulation, and be durable enough to withstand years of use.

When it comes to selecting the best mattress for sleep wellness, the Heveya® Natural Organic Latex Mattress truly shines. It provides a unique and comprehensive set of benefits that go beyond typical mattresses:

  • Top Comfort and Adaptive Support: It follows the contours of your body, reducing pressure points and ensuring your spine remains straight. This personal support eases pain and can help you relax more.

  • Natural and Organic Materials: Made from 100% natural organic latex, with no nasty chemicals, poisons, glue, metal springs, or man-made materials. The best choice if you're sensitive or have allergies, making sure your sleep environment is clean and healthy.

  • Air Flow and Temperature Control: It has tiny holes for air to pass through, soaking up moisture and controlling the temperature. This stops you from getting too hot and keeps you cool and comfy while you sleep.

  • Resilient Durability and Enduring Longevity: Natural latex is very strong, keeping its shape and support for years. Made to last a long time and stay in good condition.

  • Promotes Optimal Sleep Wellness: A more comfortable sleep helps your spine get better. Wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy 

Ready to transform your sleep and invest in your long-term wellness? Delve into the Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress and embark on your path to unparalleled sleep health today! Ultimately, the Heveya mattress aims to provide comfort and allow customers to not worry about in which direction we should sleep.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Do you sleep on your side? If so, then your mattress needs to fulfil certain considerations to ensure you get the best night's sleep. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for side sleepers to wind up with shoulder pain or hip pain if their mattress isn't well suited to this sleeping position - and most mattresses aren't. Let's take a look at some of the unique problems with a side sleeping position, and what you need in a mattress if you're a side sleeper. What happens to your body position when sleeping on your side? Firstly, remember that it's almost impossible to maintain a perfectly symmetrical side sleeping position. When you lie on your side, your top leg will 'fall in' toward the mattress to rest on it, twisting your hips. When that happens, it's natural for your top arm and shoulder also to fall toward the mattress, as there would be no other source of support for it. The lower arm may either be tucked under the body or extended upward near the pillow. It is important to note that while you may think of a side sleeping position as a symmetrical 'leg-on-leg' position, in reality it's not that way. Instead it should be imagined more as an inward-turned position, where the sleeper is turning in toward the surface of the mattress. What are some of the problems with a side sleeping position? A side sleeper puts a lot of pressure on his or her shoulder and hip closest to the mattress, which can cause discomfort. Adding to that problem is the twisting of the hips and shoulders described above, which prevents the body from forming a natural alignment. If side sleeping is so bad, should I consider switching sleeping positions? There are many sleeping positions. It certainly doesn't hurt to try other positions, but odds are if you're a side sleeper then that is the position that feels most natural to you. In that case, you may not benefit by switching to another sleep position: it won't feel natural and therefore it may be harder to get to sleep and stay asleep in the new position. Each sleep position has its own set of pros and cons - there is no 'perfect' sleep position. Instead you may therefore wish to concentrate on transforming your side sleeping position into the most comfortable sleep experience possible. Some people have to sleep on their side Besides those who prefer to sleep on their side, you may be among the individuals who need to sleep on their side due to a medical condition. For example, pregnant women beyond the first trimester should avoid sleeping on their stomach or their back - leaving only the side sleeping positions available to them. Another example is that those who suffer from heartburn are recommended to sleep on their left side. And those who snore tend to get relief from sleeping on their side. Whether or not you have much choice about sleeping on your side, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to ensure your mattress delivers the high quality of sleep you are seeking. Softness vs firmness There is no hard and fast rule about the level of firmness you need, as it will vary from one side sleeper to another. But as a general rule, most side sleepers will need a mattress which is no firmer than a medium-firm. The reason for this is that side sleepers have a lot of contact with hips and shoulders, and on a firm mattress are more likely to wind up with back and shoulder pain due to these pressure points. In contrast, a softer mattress is more supportive for a side sleeper because it allows the shoulders and hips to sink into it, while the side of the body is supported by the mattress. This results in more contact between the side of the body and the bed, without placing uncomfortable pressure on the hips and shoulders. Mattress material Side sleepers need a mattress with unique properties of yielding to the touch, yet still being firm and supportive. This allows shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Overall, the best choice you could make is a latex mattress, because it is a solid block of luxurious foam which allows a 'sinking in' while still offering good support for the spine. A second choice would be memory foam, but the main problem is that memory foam tends to 'sleep hot' - and you certainly don't want that in the warm Singapore climate. The worst choice for a side sleeper is a spring coil mattress, because you end up sleeping 'on top' of the mattress, creating hard hip and shoulder pressure points and preventing proper spinal alignment. In contrast, latex will allow the hips and shoulders to sink in softly, so there will be no uncomfortable pressure points. Other tips for side sleepers Neck support is important. A good pillow for a side sleeper should be firm enough to give good support to the head and not let it sink down too much. A dense and supportive pillow is best, and it also needs to be thick enough that the head remains level with the spine. A latex pillow is an ideal choice to fulfil these requirements. Additionally, you'll love the extra comfort you'll get with a latex pillow. This is not the most common type of pillow that people get, but it does offer the best for relaxation. Use a bolster or body pillow. It is a good idea to minimize the amount of twisting that the hips are doing. Hugging a body pillow or bolster helps to support your body and maintain a proper spinal alignment. If you don't have a bolster, positioning a pillow between your knees also can help your top leg to rest on your bottom leg. This can avoid, or at least drastically decrease, the amount of hip twisting going on, allowing you to sleep in a more comfortable position.
Is A Latex Mattress Hot to Sleep On
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Is A Latex Mattress Hot to Sleep On

There is a common misconception that sleeping on a latex mattress feels hot. This issue probably arises because so many people confuse latex with memory foam. One should not feel warm while sleeping on a latex mattress compared to a memory foam mattress. A latex mattress actually allows air to circulate much better than many other types of mattresses, allowing for a cool comfortable sleep. Why is this issue important? In Dubai, nobody wants to sleep on a mattress that feels hot. In cooler climates, a warm-feeling mattress may be received well to customers, but this is not the case here. If you are thinking about purchasing a mattress, you will certainly want to select one which is suitable for the climate. How does latex offer a cooler night's sleep? Open cell structure of latex To understand why latex delivers a cooling sleep, we need to look at the structure of latex. Latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and this sap is processed into a foam block. This type of foam has an open cell structure which allows a lot of airflow. In addition, a latex mattress is punctuated by pinholes set at regular intervals, offering even further airflow. Different latex manufacturers have different methods of ensuring this type of ventilation in latex mattresses, whether these are the standard pinholes or other ductwork. You can see how our EB latex mattresses are made here. The pinholes or ductwork are created during the manufacturing process, whereas the foam itself naturally has an open cell structure. With both methods of airflow, the key point to note is that latex is naturally well-ventilated. The open cell structure and the pinholes offer superb ventilation, allowing you to experience a cooler night's sleep. Movement on a latex mattress increases air circulation In addition to all the built-in ventilation, latex mattresses also allow extra movement of air when you move during your sleep. This happens because when you move around on the open-cell structure of latex, it creates a 'pump and suck' effect that encourages air to move into the area you just vacated. In a nutshell, movement on a latex mattress encourages air to move in and out of the mattress through the open-cell structure and the pinholes. This helps you feel cooler while sleeping. How does this differ from memory foam? Unlike latex, most memory foam mattresses have a closed cell structure. This limits the airflow considerably in memory foam mattresses, which means that memory foam feels hotter while sleeping. The other difference is that memory foam relies on body heat to contour to the body's shape. This heat is retained easily by the mattress, again making memory foam feel warm to sleep on. The mattress cover plays a critical role in ventilation Even if your mattress itself has the best airflow in the world, you will only feel cool if your mattress cover allows proper ventilation. There is no point in enclosing a latex mattress in an airtight cover: you would lose all the benefits of the mattress ventilation. Let's look at what you require in a suitable mattress cover for a latex mattress. Firstly, you need a mattress cover. For health and hygiene purposes, you will want a removable cleanable mattress cover. You can simply unzip the cover, pop it in the wash (or send it for dry-cleaning) and then you have a fresh clean surface. Secondly, latex can lose some of its durability when exposed to direct sunlight; another reason why you need a cover for your latex mattress. A good mattress cover which allows for proper airflow needs to be breathable in some way. In addition it should be cleanable - there is no point to having the cover if it merely ventilates but cannot be cleaned. At Heveya®, all our latex mattresses come with one of two top quality covers which fit these important criteria. The first of these covers is a washable one with a ventilation spacer, where the spacer allows excellent air circulation and moisture regulation. The other is a dry-cleanable cover made of bamboo which keeps your body dry and cool. A breathable mattress cover on your luxurious latex mattress will keep you fresh and cool all night long. Use a slatted bed base to make the most of your mattress You'll also want to ensure your bed base allows for great airflow to keep you cool at night. Avoid a flat base for this: it would block off all the natural venting properties of your latex mattress. Instead, use a sprung slatted bed base. Ultra-comfortable and hygienic, this type of base lets air flow between the slats and keeps you cool at night. If you haven't considered sprung slatted bases recently, you may wish to do so as they allow you to make adjustments on the level of springiness just the way you like it.
Natural Latex Mattress Vs Memory Foam Mattress
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Natural Latex Mattress Vs Memory Foam Mattress

Are you debating between a natural latex and a memory foam (viscoelastic) mattress? They both excel at comfort, and each has their own set of pros and cons. However, latex comes out as the better option of the two. Find out why here. What are they made of? A natural latex mattress is made out of the sap of the rubber tree. This milky liquid sap (the latex) is processed into blocks of springy comfortable foam. A latex mattress is therefore a natural product. An all-natural latex mattress will not contain harsh chemicals and is naturally dust mite resistant and mould resistant. Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is made primarily from polyurethane. Other chemicals are added to it to increase its density and viscosity. Memory foam is therefore an entirely synthetic product. Memory foam first had widespread use in aircraft cushions for safety, and in medical settings to avoid pressure points. What is the user experience of a latex mattress versus a memory foam mattress? We'll find out more about the specific pros and cons of each of these mattresses, but first let's take a look at how each type of mattress would actually feel. When you lie down on a latex mattress, you'll initially feel a sort of a pleasant 'sinking' feeling, followed by a feeling of soft supportiveness. This is why so many people enjoy latex mattresses: the superb comfort. In fact, many people suffering from chronic pain (e.g. back pain and scoliosis) find that a latex mattress alleviates the pain. When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it feels very comfortable by letting your body form an impression (it springs back, or 'recovers' after you move away). Memory foam conforms to your body contours. Beware that if you roll over, you will find that it takes more energy to move, due to the viscosity of the memory foam. You'll also notice that memory foam feels warm to your body, because of the temperature sensitivity of memory foam. Those in cool climates may enjoy this, but in Singapore a memory foam mattress can feel unpleasantly hot. Advantages and disadvantages of a natural latex mattress Advantages Extremely comfortable - a latex mattress offers a soft yet supportive sleeping experience, able to alleviate pain. Latex mattresses have a very high owner satisfaction rating due to their restful comfort. Good body pressure support means that the spine will be lined up correctly while sleeping. The body pressure distribution properties of latex mattresses prevent pressure points on the body. Latex is a natural product - no exposure to harsh chemicals. Naturally mould resistant and dust mite resistant without use of added chemicals, unlike other mattresses. Excellent air circulation - the natural open-cell structure of latex allows air to circulate. In addition, latex mattresses are constructed with pin-holes in them which improve the air circulation even further. Durability - a latex mattress is one of the most durable types of mattresses. It keeps its comfort and softness without sagging for a very long time, beyond that of other mattress types. Disadvantages Expense - an all-natural latex mattress is relatively expensive compared to other mattresses, although not in comparison to memory foam. Advantages and disadvantages of a memory foam mattress Advantages Very comfortable - many people enjoy the sensation of sleeping on a memory foam mattress. Does not transmit movement easily - movement on one side of the bed does not affect the other side. Memory foam excels at this property above and beyond other mattresses. Disadvantages Feels hot when sleeping - this property is due to the heat sensitivity of memory foam. Many people in warm climates such as Singapore find a memory foam mattress unpleasantly warm to sleep on. Off-gassing - this is an unpleasant chemical odour which is emitted by many memory foam mattresses, especially when new. Not only does off-gassing smell nasty, but health-wise you might be concerned about breathing in these chemicals when sleeping. Takes more energy to roll over - when you roll over or move on a memory foam mattress, it takes up more of your energy to do so. This is because of the high viscosity of memory foam. Therefore, those who move a lot in bed may find this interrupts their sleep more than it would on another type of mattress. Poor air circulation - air does not circulate easily in a memory foam mattress, making it less well suited for warm humid climates such as those found in Singapore. Not so durable - eventually the memory foam loses its ability to 'spring back'. The heavier the person is, the faster a memory foam mattress will break down. Expense - a memory foam mattress is more expensive than most other types of mattresses. Natural latex mattress versus memory foam: the verdict Latex and memory foam both excel at delivering restful comfort. However, latex comes out as the better option overall because it offers a lot of additional advantages, such as mould resistance, excellent airflow, and high durability. Memory foam has a lot of disadvantages which all too often shoppers are not aware of until after they have purchased one. Some of these are smelly off-gassing and an unpleasantly hot sensation while sleeping, and these can actually interfere with your sleep. Overall, a natural latex mattress is better than a memory foam because latex has a lot more advantages, and less disadvantages, than memory foam. Memory foam is somewhat over-hyped. It is widely touted as being comfortable - and it certainly is - but many shoppers are simply unaware that memory foam comes with some significant disadvantages. In contrast, latex mattresses have a lot of advantages without significant disadvantages. If you're thinking of shopping for a latex mattress, try one out and enjoy! You'll see first-hand why they are in high demand worldwide.

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