Why You Should Avoid Meditating in Bed (And Where to Meditate Instead)

Originally published on July 13, 2020 | Last updated on July 28, 2026

I know... the bed seems like the perfect place to meditate. It's warm, comfortable, and let's be honest... who doesn't love being all cozy under the blankets? If you're just starting a meditation practice, it's completely understandable to think, Why not meditate here?

I thought the exact same thing when I was learning to meditate. I mean, why not? It's so comfortable! At the time, I was just happy to have a regular meditation practice. Bed or not, I was showing up each day, and that's what mattered. I sank nicely against the pillows propped up on my headboard, the blankets kept me warm, and everything just felt so dang cozy. Besides, for many of us, the bedroom is often the quietest place in the house.

As tempting as it is, there are a few really important reasons why we should avoid meditating in bed, and they go beyond just comfort. This isn't a hard and fast rule for every kind of practice, but for most meditative practices, where you meditate can make a real difference.

Meditating in Bed Hurts Your Energy Flow

When we meditate in bed, our body is often not sitting upright. And if it is, we're usually propped up against pillows or the headboard. This doesn't allow energy to flow as freely up and down the spine.

During meditation, we want this energy to move easily through the spine so it can reach all of our energy centres (chakras). This helps keep the energy body balanced. It supports the lower chakras, which are connected to things like vitality, your career, finances, and your connection to the physical world. It also supports the upper chakras, including intuition, spiritual development, and our connection to higher consciousness. And frankly... it supports everything in between.

When energy can flow freely up to the Crown Chakra, it can support the expansion and opening of this energy centre, which can deepen your meditation practice. This creates a ripple effect throughout the entire energy body. As the Crown Chakra expands, more of the energy generated through meditation can flow down into your system, supporting the cleansing and healing processes of both the body and mind.

Please note: this depends greatly on the type of meditation you’re practising.

Now, I realise there are times when our bodies simply won't allow us to sit with a straight spine. Maybe you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic physical pain, or you simply need a little extra support. If that's the case, do what you can. An unsupported, upright posture and spine is ideal, but don't let your physical limitations stop you from meditating.

One way to support your meditation posture is by using a meditation cushion or pillow. These are designed to slightly raise your hips, which can help your pelvis tilt naturally and make it easier to maintain a comfortable, upright spine.

However, a meditation cushion is not a requirement. Not everyone is comfortable sitting on the floor, and for some people, it simply isn't an option. Sitting in a chair can be a wonderful way to meditate as well — a simple sitting position many people find works just as well. Ideally, your feet are on the ground, your spine is naturally upright, and your back is not leaning against the chair. This allows the energy to flow more freely through the spine while helping you remain comfortable and present throughout your practice, and it's often the easiest comfortable position to hold for long periods.

If sitting without back support isn’t possible for you, use the support you need. The goal is to create the best posture you can while honouring your body and your ability to meditate.

Your Meditation Space Holds Energy

The second reason we want to avoid meditating in bed is because of the energy we create in our meditation space.

When you are consistent with your meditation practice and meditate in the same place every day, something beautiful begins to happen energetically. Over time, this space starts to hold the energy of your practice. I describe this as building a pillar of light.

A pillar of light is exactly how it sounds. Each time we meditate, we are bringing in energy that is purifying, healing, and supportive. Meditation can offer guidance, clarity, and a deeper connection with ourselves and our spiritual path. The more we meditate in one spot, the more this energy becomes anchored there.

This is one of the reasons having a consistent meditation space can be so beneficial. When you return to your practice, you are returning to a space that already holds the energy you have created. It can make it easier to settle into meditation, expand your consciousness, and deepen your experience.

However, this is also why I don't recommend meditating in bed. Your bed has a very specific purpose: sleep and rest. If we anchor this strong meditation energy in the same place where we sleep, the two energies don't work well together. Instead of your body and mind receiving the message that it's time to rest, the energy of meditation can sometimes make it more difficult for your body and mind to fully settle into sleep — which can work against sleep quality and even contribute to a sleep disorder over time if it becomes a nightly habit.

It's Too Easy to Fall Asleep When You Meditate in Bed

The third reason we want to avoid meditating in bed is because it’s just too easy to fall asleep!

I know this happened to me back in the day. I can remember “meditating” in bed and then all of a sudden... I’m passed out and drooling.

While it might feel good to relax so deeply that you fall asleep, that isn't the same as being present with your meditation practice. Meditation is about developing body awareness, connecting with yourself, and being conscious of the experience — staying alert rather than drifting off. When we fall asleep, we're no longer actively participating in the practice or experiencing the deeper benefits that meditation can offer, and we lose the ability to maintain focus on the physical sensations that most guided meditations ask us to notice.

Where To Meditate Instead Of Your Bedroom

I recommend creating your meditation space somewhere separate from where you sleep, whenever possible.

It doesn't need to be a large or elaborate space. Even a small area dedicated to your practice can help create the right environment and a beautiful energetic foundation.

If you’re interested in creating a dedicated meditation space in your home, I have a detailed guide on how to create a sacred space at home, including how to choose a location, prepare the energy of the space, and add meaningful elements to support your practice.

However, if there is nowhere else in your home that works, then try your bedroom. Consider it an experiment and pay attention to how you feel.

Keep in mind, this is something that develops over time with a consistent meditation practice. Meditating in your bedroom once or twice is not going to create this effect. It is the repetition and energy built through regular practice that creates a deeper energetic imprint. Even then, the effect can depend greatly on the type of meditation you are doing and the energy you are creating through that practice.

If you notice changes in your sleep or find that you’re having difficulty resting, it may be a sign that it’s time to move your meditation practice to another area of your home.

Creating a strong foundation in your personal spiritual practice is an important part of growth, especially for those who are supporting others through their own healing work. 

If you’re a healer or wellness practitioner who is navigating challenges in your business or practice, I’d love to support you.

Through personalized 1:1 mentorship, we’ll explore practices that fit your unique energy and lifestyle, helping you build greater consistency, clarity, and confidence on your spiritual path.

Feel free to reach out to learn more or book a session. I’d love to support you as you continue to grow and develop your practice.

Wishing you all a wonderful practice, and remember... no matter how tempting and cozy the bed is, try to find somewhere else to meditate!

~Eryn