Since ancient times, sleep has been considered a time when a person is vulnerable to external forces. It's no surprise that many superstitions have arisen around it — especially related to the direction in which we sleep. One of the most well-known beliefs states: you should not lie with your feet facing the door. But why?
Where the Belief Comes From
This tradition has roots in Slavic and Scandinavian beliefs. Our ancestors believed that during sleep, a person's soul temporarily leaves the body and can "see the exit" — a door leading to the otherworld. If one sleeps with their feet towards it, the soul may supposedly not return.
Additionally, the door was perceived as a portal through which evil spirits could enter. Waking up with a heaviness in the body or experiencing nightmares was considered a sign that unseen entities were disturbing the sleeper.
Another well-known superstition is related to funeral rites: the deceased were traditionally carried out of the house feet first. Therefore, it was believed that such a position in sleep could "invite death."
What Feng Shui Says
The Daoist practice of feng shui also advises against sleeping with your feet facing the doorway. According to the teachings, during sleep, life energy (qi) slowly circulates throughout the body, and the door, in this case, becomes a channel for its leakage.
The result is morning lethargy, irritability, and a feeling of being unwell. This applies not only to the front door but also to balcony doors, interior doors, or even a wardrobe door.
Should You Believe
Whether to believe in these superstitions or not is a personal choice. But if rearranging the bed makes sleep more peaceful, why not give it a try? After all, comfort and a sense of security are far more important than ancient superstitions.
