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.

  • lemming@sh.itjust.works
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    10 months ago

    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
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      10 months 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.