Can feng shui help you get a better night’s sleep?

Location is a critical element when deciding to make an offer for a new home. We focus on commute times, access to transport and healthcare facilities, the quality of schools and the distance to the local shopping centers. 

And that’s how it should be. 

Depending on the property, we might also consider the impact of traffic noise in the neighborhood and concerns about privacy.

Few of us think about the quality of sleep we might enjoy in our new home, however. 

Yet we spend a third of our lives asleep, and up to 70 million Americans report they have sleeping disorders. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says 12% of Americans have been diagnosed with chronic sleep disorders. A survey by the American Psychiatric Association found 34% of respondents to its survey reported “poor” or “only fair” sleep each night.

So, if you’re struggling for a good night’s rest, is there anything you can do in your bedroom to ease the problem? 

Well, thousands of folks have turned to the ancient method of feng shui, which focuses on energy flow.

Practitioners believe a room with unbalanced energy can negatively impact your health, relationships and finances. 

In a bedroom, the placement of the bed and furniture, and the positioning of plants and other accessories, are said to have a fundamental influence on sleep quality. 

If you’re interested in seeing if feng shui might improve your sleep habits, it’s best to find a qualified consultant. 

Here are six basic principles for implementing feng shui in a bedroom:

Neat and tidy – Keep the bedroom clutter-free for good energy flow. A messy space hinders energy flow.

Bed placement – Your head should be near a solid wall and never near an open window. The headboard should fit flat against the wall.

Keep it shut – Close the door or leave it slightly ajar when lying in bed.

Mirror placement – A feng shui bedroom should not feature mirrors, as they reflect light. This ignites energy or “yang”. You want the softer energy, which the Chinese call “yin”. Practitioners associate “yin” with darkness, femininity, passivity and the Earth. “Yang” is about light, masculinity, activity and heaven.

The five elements – In feng shui, you should have in your bedroom at least one of these five elements: water feature, plants of wood, fire colors and objects made of earth or metal. 

Optimal colors – Avoid primary colors, particularly reds, purples, blues and black. Neutral, calming colors for furniture, bedding and accessories are preferred.