this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2024
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This is something I always wondered because some people have a bunch of theories about whether your head should face north or south or whatever, because of the earth magnetic field. Is there any science in this or just "superstition"?

Also, would it be better to have the head towards a window or away from a window, even if closed (e.g. in winter)?

I'm basically asking whether there exist "recommendations" on how to structure a bedroom backed by science.

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[–] BaalInvoker@lemmy.eco.br 40 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

This kind of thinking is just superstition. The earth magnetic field does NOT influence in any way your sleep.

This is just magical thinking distortion.

The bed must be only in a cozy and dark environment, not too warm nor too cold. Also, your bed room must be used only to sleep or sex. Don't do any exciting or stressful activity on your bedroom.

[–] dustyData@lemmy.world 21 points 2 years ago (2 children)

only to sleep or sex

Don't do anything exciting

Do you mean to say that sex isn't exciting. Or are we only supposed to have boring sex in our bedrooms. Or are you implying that the only exciting sex happens outside the bedroom?

[–] moody@lemmings.world 25 points 2 years ago

Sex is for procreation only. No fun or excitement allowed. It must be silent, and exclusively in the missionary position. Deviation from these rules is unacceptable.

[–] BaalInvoker@lemmy.eco.br 17 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Oh, man... Don't be like that...

You got what I said.

[–] lemming@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That's a strong claim you've got there. It seems humans do possess some amount of magnetoreception, there's even a suggested mechanism. It might be jammed by certain radiofrequencies, although I don't know if they are still in use. Some other mammals have been shown to sense magnetism too. Personally, when I'm in a bed, especially a new one, I feel my rotation relative to my normal bed. It isn't very precise and it's difficult to test, so I can't be entirely sure, but that's how it feels. I don't know about any studies relating magnetism and sleep. I know there historically were people who claimed it matters to them, but I think that unless you already know that it matter to you, it probably doesn't. I'd say that much more important is darkness. Also, I heard people feel better with feet towards the door, but I don't know if it's proven in any way.

[–] lemming@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

I wonder why I'm being downvoted. I very much welcome discussion. If you want to tell me why I'm wrong, like that cryptochromes cannot be used in sensing magnetic field upon closer look etc., I'd be excited. Disagreement without pointing out any mistakes I did brings me nothing.

If it's just disbelief, I would've preferred being asked for sources. Even wikipedia mentions some of what I wrote (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetoreception) and while I admit my source isn't primary literature, it is a monography about senses and I would've made an effort to track down at least some of the original papers.