The Art of Sleeping

Sleep is one of the most vital means by which we energise our body. Vedas believe it is the nearest a human being can experience of a renewed birth. Anything going wrong with it can drastically affect our physical and mental wellbeing.

So today we will learn what ancient seers had to say about our sleeping habits and how those counsels are reaffirmed by modern science.

1. Sleep with Head towards South or East.

As we all know, our planet has a magnetic pole stretched from north to south, with the positive pole at the north and the negative one at the south. Now our body too has its own magnetic field, with the positive pole at the head and the negative one at the feet. Since, like poles repel each other, laying head towards north would cause repulsion between the two positive poles.

Since Earth has a much greater magnetic force, we are always the losers, and rise in the morning with headache or heaviness. So, if lay our head in the southern direction, there is mutual attraction and we wake up fit, fresh and free, unless afflicted by some illness.

Now, the Earth rotates on its orbit from west to east. Hence Sun’s magnetic field enters Earth from east. This magnetic force enters our head if we lie with head on the east and exits through feet, promoting cool heads and warm feet as per the laws of magnetism and electricity. When the head is laid towards the west, we end up with cool feet and hot head, resulting in an unpleasant start for morning.

This brings us to the dictum of our seers that our intellect improves by east facing head, and life lengthens by lying with head on the south.

2. Dinner should be light and at least 3 hours before bedtime.

A full stomach can cause heaviness, and eventually hinder our sleep. So we should take a light meal few hours before the bed. We should even avoid skipping the dinner altogether as the hunger may wake up midnight.

3. Sleep by 10 PM and wake by 5 AM.

The best time to be off to bed is by 10 PM and off the bed by 4 AM in the morning. Getting up before sunrise is the best therapy for our body and mind. If we follow this routine, our body’s rhythm stays perfectly in tune with the nature. This routine can prevent us from more than 80% diseases. If it seems too tough, we can start with a target of sleeping by 10:30 PM at max, and getting up by 5 AM. Slowly then we can progress on to this ideal schedule.

4. Reduce light exposure few hours before bedtime.

Bright light disrupts our body’s natural rhythm. It also stimulates the nerves. Dim light prepares the body for relaxation. So skip that television and tablet on the bed. And darken up the room before you go to bed. Also avoid serious or sensual literature, as that too strains our nerves.

5. Cut down on caffeine and nicotine.

Coffee, black teas, cocoa and caffeinated sodas should be done away with. And the same goes for all tobacco products. They strain our nerves and inhibit relaxation.

6. Drink warm beverages before bed.

Of these, the best is lukewarm honey milk. Others are chamomile tea, herbal teas, or may be just a simple glass of lukewarm water.

7. Exercise regularly.

Sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity can make us lethargic. Sleep is a time for repair and recovery. So strain those muscles to make them want and savour the relaxation.

8. Chant Mantras.

Listen to some soothing music. Chant Om ॐ thrice. Deep breathing and mantra chanting is an instant coolant. It relaxes our body and mind, and helps us have a sound and uninterrupted sleep. Also taking 4 to 5 Ujjayi breaths before sleep deeply relax our mind (To learn Ujjayi breaths, you can do The Art of Living Happiness Program).

Happy Sleeping.

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