Vastu and Sleep Science: The Interplay between Ancient Wisdom and Modern Research

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture and design that is practised across the length and breadth of our country. Vastu guidelines help harmonise the flow of cosmic energy in our homes and offices. According to Vastu Shastra, the direction and position of the bedroom can affect the quality of sleep, mental and physical health, and the prosperity of the occupants. 

Let us take a look at the salient guidelines for bedrooms according to Vastu Shastra and also examine what science has to say about these. 

Direction of the Master Bedroom

The best direction for the placement of the master bedroom, according to Vastu Shastra, is the southwest. This direction is governed by the demon Niritti and the demi-god Rahu. Harmonising the flow of energies in this corner can bring strength, bonding, abundance, and fame. This is why the bedroom that belongs to the head of the family is ideally placed in this corner of the home. Vastu dosa, or misaligned energies in this corner, can strain relationships, financial hardships, and health issues. This makes it very important to pay due attention to the master bedroom and design it according to Vastu guidelines.

Direction of bed for restful sleep

Vastu Shastra recommends sleeping with the head in the east direction and the feet to the west. This will create a serene and harmonious sleeping space. An east-west bed placement allows positive energy to flow freely and improves sleep quality. According to Vastu, the perfect position for a bed is with the headboard facing towards the east or northeast. If this is not feasible, you can also sleep with your head in the west and your feet towards the east. However, it is advisable to avoid sleeping with the head pointing to the north and the feet to the south as it is associated with death and negativity.

What does science say about these Vastu guidelines?

The importance of restful sleep in maintaining good health is an undisputed fact. Doctors and researchers emphasise the duration and quality of sleep for a long and healthy life. 

Scientists from across the world have studied and examined the guidelines of Vastu Shastra. The ergonomics of the recommendations made by this ancient Indian system are considered relevant to a great extent. While scientific studies do not have any specific recommendation for the placement of the bedroom, Vastu guidelines regarding the direction of sleep seem to be placed on robust principles. The magnetic field of the earth is in the north-south direction. This has a subtle impact on the neurological and vascular functions of the brain as we sleep. So, the Vastu guideline prohibiting sleeping in a north-south direction seems to have some merit.

Similarly, Vastu guidelines prohibiting the placement of mirrors facing the bed and electronic gadgets in the bedroom are now being endorsed by sleep studies. Sleep hygiene has emerged as one of the main topics of research in several renowned universities of the world. Some of the main learnings from such research include meditating and playing calming music before sleep, using neutral colours for the bedroom, and avoiding paintings or photos of turbulence or aggression in the bedroom. These are rather in sync with the guidelines for bedrooms, according to Vastu Shastra.

Bedroom Dos and don'ts 

• Use pastel or soothing colours like cream, green, blue, or pink for the bedroom. Avoid painting the room red, orange, grey, or black. 
• Do not place a mirror that reflects the bed you sleep on. This can disrupt relationships and cause health challenges.
• Do not decorate the bedroom with sharp, pointed objects like swords or even mounted rifles. Avoid placing pictures of turbulent waters or ferocious animals in the bedroom. 
• The bedroom should not be under a water tank as such a placement attracts negative vibrations. If the bedroom has an attached bathroom, the door should always be kept closed. 
• The hinges of the bedroom door should always be kept well-oiled and in good condition. Creaky joints can attract difficulties to the occupants. 

While there are no scientific studies to authenticate the guidelines prescribed by Vastu regarding the placement and decoration of bedrooms, these practices have been gleaned from the wisdom of ancient scriptures and have a positive effect on our sleep, health and wellbeing.