Is the Right Side of the Bed the Wrong One?

A bad day is often attributed to “waking up on the wrong side of the bed.” But most of us haven’t figured out which side is supposed to be the “right” one. Luckily, a study commissioned by the UK-based Premier Hotel Chain has the answer for us.

Left Is Right, Right Is Wrong?
Following a “hot debate” by a sleep scientist, a Feng Shui expert, and a motivational speaker, the final conclusion to the bedside conundrum was that left was right, and right was wrong.

But, like the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, and monsters under the bed, it’s hard to find concrete evidence for why this situation supposedly exists.

The conclusion was based on a combination of psychology and Feng Shui. Psychologists know that the left side of the brain uses logic and rational thought, and that the right side relies more on emotion and imagination. Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of placing items in harmony with an environment, associates the left side of the bed with family, health, money, and power.

The thinking is that exiting on the left side (when you’re lying on your back) focuses your energies toward this logical, good side and away from your emotional, stressed right side. Logical lefties will not push the snooze button five times before finally rousing, will not bonk their heads upon entering the shower, and will not mistakenly put decaf in the coffee maker. Most of all, they will not cry, like those sissy, emotional right-siders.

Is Feng Shui Good Science?
Of course, to believe the left=good theory, you also have to believe in Feng Shui, which, to the best of my knowledge, has yet to be “proven.” Although the study’s Feng Shui expert, Jan Cisek, has a long list of credits, including co-founding the Feng Shui Society of Great Britain, he also, according to his Web site, has “extensive expertise” in “geopathic stress, EMF pollution, dowsing, ghost busting, fractality, and earth acupuncture.” I’m sorry, ghost-busting? I thought you had to have a power-pack on your back to be qualified for this. And earth acupuncture? You could spend a lifetime just trying to find the right meridians.

17 readers liked this story.
share
POST
Please allow me to clarify that when speaking of sides of the bed, it is to be seen from the perspective of lying on the back, based the information provided in this article. I am left handed, and therefore right brained, right? I have far more characteristics of a left brained individual. I can see where many would be skeptical of the findings, including the author herself. The point remains that the skeptical will most likely not even attempt this to see if it DOES work for them. Another commenter mentioned that she cannot sleep on the left side, but that doesn't mean she couldn't get out of bed on the left side, right foot first! Who knows, it may work. Bottom line, just because it doesn't work for YOU does not mean the theory has no validity overall, as it may work for some without fail. If the same thing worked for everyone, we wouldn't be individuals, right???
Ben, The fact that the conclusion was based on Feng Shui (and psychology) and had "no applicable scientific basis" is correct. I missed where it was stated in this article that this was a scientific study. In fact, the statement "a study commissioned by the UK-based Premier Hotel Chain" clearly defines that it is not. The author mentions that in order to believe the theory posed, you must also believe in Feng Shui. Dictionary.com defines theory as "a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact". Now that we understand that this is not a scientific study, but rather that a hotel chain granted authority to this psychologist and Feng Shui "expert", we can begin to form opinions without criticism.
11.17.2008
Kerrie
I always sleep on the right side of the bed. I have tried to sleep on the left and found that I can't sleep well, or I wake up with a headache, every time.
11.17.2008
Julie
Throughout the various places that I have lived; such as college, a few different apts; it always seemed to me that the side of the bed I slept was determined by where the bedroom door was. I know it sounds really strange, but for some reason, I always liked to sleep so that I was facing the wall that had the doorway. When I was in the process of having my home built, I took this into consideration of how my bed was going to be situated in the bedroom. So, now I sleep on the right side of the bed and sleep on my left side, (I have always been a side sleeper) thus I am facing the wall with the doorway. Anyone else like this? My hubby thinks I am a bit strange, but his theory is that it may have more to do with my being hearing impaired and that I can sense the air move when someone enters. Then I wake up right away and see who or what is there. (the what meaning the dog or cats). Maybe a subconcious thing...who knows??
11.17.2008
John
Please define the left side of the bed...from when I'm looking over the bed...or when I'm laying on my bed. As the answers and completely opposite. :-( From a laying down perspective if I'm by myself then I prefer the right side, but when my girlfriend stays over I prefer the Left,
It feels good to write.

Your stories, musings, and advice are welcome here. We know you've got something to share, so jump in—maybe get a little famous. And don't worry—you can save a draft!

most liked
Loader_buff
Other topics you might appreciate
Career & Money Neighborhood & World Parenting