Got Up On The Wrong Side of The Bed?

We've all been there. You woke up with a knot in your stomach, a fog in your brain and a general sense of 'ugh' that lingers all day. It affected your focus at work as well as how you connected with others, both at workplace and in personal life. But what if the culprit isn't just a bad night's sleep, but how you actually started your day? Maybe you got up on the wrong side of the bed?

The side of the bed you choose to get up to each morning can set the tone for your entire day. Let’s delve into how the simple choice can influence both your physical and psychological state from the moment you wake up.

How the morning should feel like

Waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and with a clear mind is the ideal start to any day. Physically, your body should feel rested and ready, free from the stiffness or discomfort that can come from a poor night's sleep. Psychologically, a sense of optimism, readiness to face the day’s challenges, and a calm mind should greet you upon waking. Achieving this starts not just with how you sleep, but importantly, with how you choose to wake up and rise.

The Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on waking up on the right side. It connects this practice to the concept of Surya Nadi, the solar energy channel. In Ayurvedic theory, the Surya Nadi is said to run along the  right side of the spinal cord, mirroring the position of the sun in the sky. Waking up on your right side symbolically activates this channel and its associated qualities. This channel is believed to govern activity, alertness, and positive energy, similar to the invigorating qualities of the sun. According to Ayurvedic principles, waking up on your right side activates this channel, potentially infusing your mind and body with a sense of vitality, clarity, and optimism as you start your day.

Waking up on the right side is seen as a way to  synchronize with these rhythms, promoting a sense of  balance and well-being that extends throughout the entire day, not just that moment in the morning when you wake up.

Also read: Can meditation replace sleep in 2024?

The scientific perspective

Choosing to wake up on the right side can have a psychological impact as it sets the positive tone for the day and increases mental alertness and physical readiness.

Psychological boost

1. Routine reinforcement: Waking up consistently sets a positive expectation for the day, creating a familiar and calming structure.
2. Self-fulfilling prophecy: Choosing a positive start sets the tone for your outlook, creating a self-fulfilling loop towards a good day.
3. Placebo effect: Belief in starting well can trigger positive neurotransmitters, enhancing mood and reducing stress.
4. Intention power: Deciding on a positive morning routine strengthens your resolve and sense of control.
5. Mindset shift: Intentionally choosing a good start reframes challenges as opportunities throughout the day.

Physiological implications

1. Improved sleep quality: A consistent sleep schedule promotes deeper sleep, leading to increased alertness and focus upon waking.
2. Stress hormone regulation: Routines can help to regulate cortisol (stress hormone) levels, promoting a calmer physical state.
3. Enhanced circadian rhythm: Consistency strengthens your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to better overall well-being.
4. Habit formation: Positive morning practices become ingrained, promoting healthier lifestyle choices throughout the day.
5. Mind-body connection: A positive mindset can influence physical responses, boosting energy levels and resilience.

Also read: Anxiety at Night: Can't Stop Worrying About Sleep?

Debunking myths with tradition & science

The saying "did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" now gains a new dimension of understanding. Instead of merely signifying a bad mood or day ahead, it reminds us of the potential missed by not choosing to get up in the right position. According to Ayurvedic practice, the way we start our day can set the tone for the hours to come.  This doesn't necessarily mean lying in a specific direction on the bed (although the right posture to sleep on the bed can promote better sleep quality), but rather, it emphasizes the importance of waking up feeling rested and taking a few moments to center yourself before getting up.  By prioritizing a balanced start to your day, you might find yourself approaching even the most mundane tasks with a renewed sense of calm and focus, ensuring you don't literally get up on the wrong side of the bed.

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Sleep music: Slow-tempo music with calming melodies triggers a relaxation response, brings in peace and lowers heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol.

Try this brown noise for sleep, which provides a constant, low-frequency sound, can mask disruptive noises in your environment and create a soothing surrounding by influencing the brainwaves, potentially leading to a more relaxed state and easier sleep onset.

Sleep stories: With a collection of sleep stories for adults, you can relax your mind by getting rid of the internal chatter. By focusing on the story's plot, characters, and setting, a conditioned response is created in the brain in such a way that over time, while listening to it, your body takes the cue and starts to relax and unwind. Try the most played, 'Insomnia to deep sleep', by the Indian mentalist to relax your mind and body.

Sleep meditation: Meditation, when combined with stories that feel good, helps to stop your racing thoughts by focusing on the present moment which reduces stress and anxiety, major reasons why you aren't able to hit the sack on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does waking up on the 'wrong side of the bed' mean?

A: This popular phrase typically refers to starting the day feeling irritable or in a bad mood for no apparent reason. Interestingly, there's a cultural and somewhat traditional belief behind this saying, suggesting that the side of the bed you wake up on can influence your mood and energy levels throughout the day. While largely metaphorical, this concept invites a deeper exploration of how our sleep practices, including the physical side we wake up on, might affect our mental state.

Q: Which side should not be slept on?

A: From a scientific standpoint, sleeping on your right side is often recommended for better heart health and digestion, aligning with the Ayurvedic principle of activating the Surya Nadi for optimal energy flow. Conversely, it is suggested that sleeping on the left side may put pressure on the heart and stomach, potentially leading to discomfort or health issues over time. However, individual health conditions, like acid reflux or heart disease, may warrant specific sleeping positions, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Q: Which position is right to sleep?

A: The optimal sleeping position varies from person to person based on health needs, comfort levels, and personal preference. Scientifically, sleeping on your back is often deemed ideal for spinal health, reducing pain, and minimizing wrinkles. However, for those with sleep apnea or snoring issues, side sleeping might be recommended. The right-side sleeping position, in particular, is encouraged in Ayurvedic practices for its supposed benefits on the body's energy channels, including the Surya Nadi. Ultimately, the right position for you is one that supports your body's needs and contributes to restful sleep.

Final thoughts

While the primary focus here is not on the sleeping position but on how we choose to exit our bed, the right side emerges as a symbolic and practical choice. Choosing to get up from the right side of the bed each morning is a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly influence your outlook and effectiveness throughout the day. This method, grounded in both ancient traditions and contemporary psychological understanding, advocates for a mindful approach to starting your day. Try this small change in your morning routine and observe the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being.