Halachot of Sleep - Revision history

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Clothes to Wear to Sleep: Forgot to shift the last chunk to a bullet point. Also, used “me” instead of “one”—Freudian slip!

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	* Some Jews have the custom of wearing a [[Kippah#Wearing_a_Kippah_to_sleep\|''kippah'']] while sleeping.<ref name="Kagan-MB-2-11">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 2:11, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.2.11 Sefaria].</ref>		* Some Jews have the custom of wearing a [[Kippah#Wearing_a_Kippah_to_sleep\|''kippah'']] while sleeping.<ref name="Kagan-MB-2-11">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 2:11, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.2.11 Sefaria].</ref>
	* Some also have the custom of wearing ''[[Tzitzit\|tzitzit]]''—or a ''tallit katan''—while sleeping. The ''Mishnah Berurah'', citing the writings of Rabbi Isaac Luria (commonly known as the Arizal), records the kabbalistic practice of wearing one's ''[[tallit]]'' to bed.<ref name="Kagan-MB-21-15">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 21:15, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.21.15 Sefaria].</ref> See also [[Tzitzit]].		* Some also have the custom of wearing ''[[Tzitzit\|tzitzit]]''—or a ''tallit katan''—while sleeping. The ''Mishnah Berurah'', citing the writings of Rabbi Isaac Luria (commonly known as the Arizal), records the kabbalistic practice of wearing one's ''[[tallit]]'' to bed.<ref name="Kagan-MB-21-15">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 21:15, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.21.15 Sefaria].</ref> See also [[Tzitzit]].
	# Although the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' instructs me to remove one's ordinary daytime clothing before sleeping, some authorities, such as Rabbi Moishe Lebovits—note that the common practice is to permit sleeping in such clothing.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-5">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:5, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.5 Sefaria].</ref><ref>Moishe Dovid Lebovits, "Halachos Pertaining to Sleep," ''Halachically Speaking'' 3, no. 1, 5, [https://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue1.pdf online PDF], citing ''Shemiras Haguf V'hanefesh'' 1:345–46 regarding the common practice.</ref> One should, however, remove one's shoes before sleeping, recommends Rabbi Eli Mansour.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes">Rabbi Eli Mansour, "Removing One's Shoes Before Going to Sleep," ''Daily Halacha'', [https://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=2187 accessed October 28, 2026], citing Rabbi Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad, ''Ben Ish Hai'', "second year", Pinchas 16</ref><ref>Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, ''Kaf HaChaim'', Yoreh De'ah 116:211</ref> It is uncertain whether this practice also applies to a short nap.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes" />		* Although the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' instructs one to remove one's ordinary daytime clothing before sleeping, some authorities, such as Rabbi Moishe Lebovits—note that the common practice is to permit sleeping in such clothing.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-5">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:5, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.5 Sefaria].</ref><ref>Moishe Dovid Lebovits, "Halachos Pertaining to Sleep," ''Halachically Speaking'' 3, no. 1, 5, [https://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue1.pdf online PDF], citing ''Shemiras Haguf V'hanefesh'' 1:345–46 regarding the common practice.</ref> One should, however, remove one's shoes before sleeping, recommends Rabbi Eli Mansour.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes">Rabbi Eli Mansour, "Removing One's Shoes Before Going to Sleep," ''Daily Halacha'', [https://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=2187 accessed October 28, 2026], citing Rabbi Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad, ''Ben Ish Hai'', "second year", Pinchas 16</ref><ref>Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, ''Kaf HaChaim'', Yoreh De'ah 116:211</ref> It is uncertain whether this practice also applies to a short nap.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes" />

	==Sleeping during the Day==		==Sleeping during the Day==

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Clothes to Wear to Sleep: Tidied and formatted citations. Made the text clearer and added more direct links.

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	==Clothes to Wear to Sleep==		==Clothes to Wear to Sleep==
	~~# There is~~ a ~~custom to sleep with one’s Yarmalka on one’s head. See also~~ [[Kippah#Wearing_a_Kippah_to_sleep]]. <~~Ref~~>~~Mishna Brurah~~ 2:11 </ref>		* Some Jews have the custom of wearing a [[Kippah#Wearing_a_Kippah_to_sleep\|''kippah'']] while sleeping.<ref name="Kagan-MB-2-11">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 2:11, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.2.11 Sefaria].</ref>
	~~# There is a~~ custom ~~to sleep with one’s~~ [[Tzitzit]] (~~[[Tallit]] katan~~)~~. See~~ the [[~~Tzitzit#cite_ref-21\|Tzizit~~]] ~~page~~.<ref>~~Mishna Brurah~~ 21:15 </ref>		* Some also have the custom of wearing ''[[Tzitzit\|tzitzit]]''—or a ''tallit katan''—while sleeping. The ''Mishnah Berurah'', citing the writings of Rabbi Isaac Luria (commonly known as the Arizal), records the kabbalistic practice of wearing one's ''[[tallit]]'' to bed.<ref name="Kagan-MB-21-15">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Mishnah Berurah'' 21:15, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.21.15 Sefaria].</ref> See also [[Tzitzit]].
	# ~~The minhag~~ is to ~~allow~~ sleeping in ~~one’s regular daytime clothes~~. <~~Ref~~> Halachically Speaking ~~(vol~~ 3, ~~article~~ 1, pg 5) </ref> ~~However~~, ~~one should~~ remove one's shoes ~~when going to sleep~~.<ref> [~~http~~://www.dailyhalacha.com/~~m/halacha~~.~~aspx~~?id=2187 Rabbi ~~Eli Mansour] on dailyhalacha.com~~, Ben Ish ~~Chai Parashat~~ Pinchas~~: Halacha~~ 16, Kaf ~~Hachaim YD~~ 116:211 </ref> ~~There~~ is ~~a discussion if the same~~ applies to a short nap.<ref~~> see [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id~~=~~2187 Rabbi Eli~~ Mansour~~] on dailyhalacha.com <~~/~~ref~~>		# Although the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' instructs me to remove one's ordinary daytime clothing before sleeping, some authorities, such as Rabbi Moishe Lebovits—note that the common practice is to permit sleeping in such clothing.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-5">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:5, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.5 Sefaria].</ref><ref>Moishe Dovid Lebovits, "Halachos Pertaining to Sleep," ''Halachically Speaking'' 3, no. 1, 5, [https://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue1.pdf online PDF], citing ''Shemiras Haguf V'hanefesh'' 1:345–46 regarding the common practice.</ref> One should, however, remove one's shoes before sleeping, recommends Rabbi Eli Mansour.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes">Rabbi Eli Mansour, "Removing One's Shoes Before Going to Sleep," ''Daily Halacha'', [https://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=2187 accessed October 28, 2026], citing Rabbi Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad, ''Ben Ish Hai'', "second year", Pinchas 16</ref><ref>Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, ''Kaf HaChaim'', Yoreh De'ah 116:211</ref> It is uncertain whether this practice also applies to a short nap.<ref name="Mansour-Shoes" />

	==Sleeping during the Day==		==Sleeping during the Day==

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Sleeping Alone in a Room: Decided to add Wikipedia-style language parameters.

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	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==
	# One should avoid sleeping alone in a room at night, recommends Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried in the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch''.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-2">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.2 Sefaria].</ref><ref name="Kagan-MB-239-9">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (Mishnah Berurah), ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:9, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.239.9 Sefaria].</ref> When other people are sleeping elsewhere in the same house, some authorities permit a person to sleep alone in a room provided that the bedroom door is left ajar.<ref name="Kagan-SHT-239-17">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Sha'ar HaTziyun'' 239:17</ref> ~~However, this~~ solution should not be used when leaving the door open would create a concern of ''[[yichud]]''.		# One should avoid sleeping alone in a room at night, recommends Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried in the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch''.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-2">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.2 Sefaria].</ref><ref name="Kagan-MB-239-9">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (Mishnah Berurah), ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:9, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.239.9 Sefaria].</ref> When other people are sleeping elsewhere in the same house, some authorities permit a person to sleep alone in a room provided that the bedroom door is left ajar.<ref name="Kagan-SHT-239-17">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Sha'ar HaTziyun'' 239:17</ref> This solution should not be used when leaving the door open would create a concern of [[Yichud\|''yichud'']] (Hebrew: יִחוּד; ''yiḥud''; lit., 'seclusion'), the halakhic prohibition against certain unrelated men and women being secluded together.
	# Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef agrees with the ''Kitzur'', maintaining that one should not sleep alone in a room. When a person has no alternative, the person should at least leave a light on in the room; Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu agrees.<ref>Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, ''Yalkut Yosef'', Hilchot Berakhot, p. 669</ref><ref>''She'erit Yosef'', vol. 3, p. 369</ref><ref>Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, notes to ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2</ref>		# Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef agrees with the ''Kitzur'', maintaining that one should not sleep alone in a room. When a person has no alternative, the person should at least leave a light on in the room; Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu agrees.<ref>Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, ''Yalkut Yosef'', Hilchot Berakhot, p. 669</ref><ref>''She'erit Yosef'', vol. 3, p. 369</ref><ref>Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, notes to ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2</ref>
	# Some authorities—namely, Rabbis Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz and Avigdor Nebenzahl—hold that it is sufficient for the bedroom door to remain closed but unlocked.<ref>Rabbi Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz, ''Piskei Teshuvot'' 239:6</ref><ref>Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, ''Be-Yitzchak Yikare'', notes to ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:6</ref>		# Some authorities—namely, Rabbis Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz and Avigdor Nebenzahl—hold that it is sufficient for the bedroom door to remain closed but unlocked.<ref>Rabbi Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz, ''Piskei Teshuvot'' 239:6</ref><ref>Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, ''Be-Yitzchak Yikare'', notes to ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:6</ref>

J e f t: /* Sleeping Alone in a Room */ Broke up, tidied, and formatted cited sources. I also included links to Sefaria when possible.

2026-10-28T13:51:26Z

Sleeping Alone in a Room: Broke up, tidied, and formatted cited sources. I also included links to Sefaria when possible.

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	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==
	# One should avoid sleeping alone in a room at night, recommends Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried in the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch''.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-2">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.2 Sefaria].</ref><ref name="Kagan-MB-239-9">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (Mishnah Berurah), ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:9, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.239.9 Sefaria].</ref> ~~However, if there~~ are ~~others~~ in the same house ~~sleeping in other rooms~~, ~~one should leave the room door ajar at night (unless~~ a ~~man is sleeping~~ alone in a room ~~and~~ the ~~only other person in the house~~ is ~~a women in which case it is forbidden to leave the door open because of [[Yichud]]~~.) <~~Ref~~> ~~Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However~~, ~~Shaar~~ HaTziyun 239:17 ~~writes~~ when ~~there are others in the house it can be made permissible by~~ leaving the door ~~ajar. Yalkut Yosef (~~[[~~Brachot~~]] ~~pg 669~~, ~~Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds~~ that ~~it is forbidden. He however writes if~~ one ~~has no other option than to~~ sleep alone in ~~the~~ room, ~~one~~ should at least leave a light on in the room. ~~Rav~~ Mordechai Eliyahu ~~(comments~~ to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2~~) agrees.~~</ref>		# One should avoid sleeping alone in a room at night, recommends Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried in the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch''.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-2">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.2 Sefaria].</ref><ref name="Kagan-MB-239-9">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (Mishnah Berurah), ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:9, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.239.9 Sefaria].</ref> When other people are sleeping elsewhere in the same house, some authorities permit a person to sleep alone in a room provided that the bedroom door is left ajar.<ref name="Kagan-SHT-239-17">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, ''Sha'ar HaTziyun'' 239:17</ref> However, this solution should not be used when leaving the door open would create a concern of ''[[yichud]]''.
	# Some ~~hold~~ that it is ~~enough to have~~ the door closed ~~and~~ unlocked. <~~Ref~~> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, ~~BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal~~ 239:6 </ref>		# Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef agrees with the ''Kitzur'', maintaining that one should not sleep alone in a room. When a person has no alternative, the person should at least leave a light on in the room; Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu agrees.<ref>Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, ''Yalkut Yosef'', Hilchot Berakhot, p. 669</ref><ref>''She'erit Yosef'', vol. 3, p. 369</ref><ref>Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, notes to ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2</ref>
			# Some authorities—namely, Rabbis Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz and Avigdor Nebenzahl—hold that it is sufficient for the bedroom door to remain closed but unlocked.<ref>Rabbi Simcha Bunim Rabinowitz, ''Piskei Teshuvot'' 239:6</ref><ref>Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, ''Be-Yitzchak Yikare'', notes to ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:6</ref>

	==Sleeping in Shul or Bet Midrash==		==Sleeping in Shul or Bet Midrash==

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	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==
	# One should ~~not sleep~~ alone in a room at night. However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night (unless a man is sleeping alone in a room and the only other person in the house is a women in which case it is forbidden to leave the door open because of [[Yichud]].) <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>		# One should avoid sleeping alone in a room at night, recommends Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried in the ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch''.<ref name="Ganzfried-KSA-71-2">Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, ''Kitzur Shulchan Aruch'' 71:2, [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur/_Shulchan/_Arukh.71.2 Sefaria].</ref><ref name="Kagan-MB-239-9">Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (Mishnah Berurah), ''Mishnah Berurah'' 239:9, [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.239.9 Sefaria].</ref> However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night (unless a man is sleeping alone in a room and the only other person in the house is a women in which case it is forbidden to leave the door open because of [[Yichud]].) <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>
	# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>		# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>

J e f t: /* Duration of Sleep / Expanded the section with additional source-based details on sleep duration, timing, health, and preparation for prayer; clarified the scope of each cited view; corrected the attribution of the eight-hour allusion from Arukh HaShulchan* to Ba’er Hetev; and standardized the references.

2026-10-27T00:03:03Z

Duration of Sleep: Expanded the section with additional source-based details on sleep duration, timing, health, and preparation for prayer; clarified the scope of each cited view; corrected the attribution of the eight-hour allusion from *Arukh HaShulchan* to *Ba’er Hetev*; and standardized the references.

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	==Duration of Sleep==		==Duration of Sleep==
	~~# One is~~ not ~~meant~~ to sleep ~~longer~~ than ~~8 hours~~ or ~~less than 6~~ hours, ~~one may vary within those parameters according to one~~'~~s needs~~.<ref> ~~Some sources suggest~~ that ~~one should sleep 8 hours such as the Rambam (Deot~~ 4:4~~) and~~ Orchot Rabbeinu (1 pg 189~~, biography~~ of the ~~Steipler)~~. ~~Some quote Mishna Brurah~~ 1:9 ~~to argue that one should sleep as much as one needs~~. ~~If one however carefully reads the whole sentence there~~, ~~one will see that the Mishna Brurah is speaking about someone~~ who is weak ~~and afraid~~ that~~, should they not get enough sleep it will result in them falling~~ asleep during [[davening]]. ~~Baer Heitev 1:6 says~~ the ~~correct amount of sleep is a subjective measure and some people may need more than others~~. ~~Yalkut Yosef (edition 5764~~, ~~vol 1 pg 64) writes~~ that ~~it is unhealthy~~ to ~~sleep more than 8 or less than 6 hours~~. ~~Aruch HaShulchan says that some learn from the pasuk~~ "~~Yashanti Az Yanuach Li~~" ~~that one should~~ sleep 8 hours ~~because the gematria~~ of "Az" ~~is 8~~, ~~yet others maintain since~~ the ~~gematria (mispar katan)~~ of ~~"Li"~~ is ~~4 one should sleep 4~~ hours, ~~but concludes~~ that ~~it all~~ depends on the health ~~and age of the~~ person. </ref>		The appropriate amount of sleep varies according to a person’s health, strength, and individual needs. The sources discuss sleep not only in terms of duration, but also in relation to physical health, rising for religious duties, and maintaining alertness during prayer.

			Maimonides writes that eight hours (i.e., or one-third of a twenty-four-hour day) is a sufficient amount of sleep. He recommends placing these hours toward the end of the night, so that the sleeper rises before sunrise.<ref name="RambamSleep">Maimonides. ''Mishneh Torah, Hilkhot De’ot''. 4:4. Sefaria. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh/_Torah%2C/_Human/_Dispositions.4.4/</ref> This recommendation forms part of his broader regimen for preserving bodily health. In the following section, he also advises sleeping on one’s side rather than face down or on one’s back, waiting approximately three or four hours after eating before going to sleep, and avoiding daytime sleep.<ref name="RambamSleepPosition">Maimonides. ''Mishneh Torah, Hilkhot De’ot''. 4:5. Sefaria. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh/_Torah%2C/_Human/_Dispositions.4.5/</ref> His statements present a general regimen for a healthy person rather than an individualized medical prescription, though. Elsewhere in the same chapter, Maimonides specifies that a person who is ill, has an unhealthy organ, or has followed harmful habits for many years requires a regimen suited to that person’s particular condition.<ref name="RambamIndividual">Maimonides. ''Mishneh Torah, Hilkhot De’ot''. 4:21. Sefaria. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh/_Torah%2C/_Human/_Dispositions.4.21/</ref> A practice of sleeping eight hours is also attributed to the Steipler.<ref>''Orchot Rabbeinu''. Vol 1. p 189.</ref>

			The ''Mishnah Berurah'' discusses sleep in connection with the practice of rising during the night. It describes the religious value attributed to rising at midnight for Torah study and prayer, while recognizing that this practice is not appropriate in every circumstance.<ref name="MBSleep">Kagan IM. ''Mishnah Berurah''. 1:9. Sefaria. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah/_Berurah.1.9/</ref> A person who is physically weak, or who knows that rising during the night would cause him to fall asleep during [[davening]], should instead sleep as much as necessary. Even such a person should rise sufficiently early to prepare for prayer with the congregation. The ''Mishnah Berurah'' specifies rising an hour, or at least half an hour, before the synagogue attendant’s call, so that one can prepare to pray with the congregation and in a state of cleanliness.<ref name="MBSleep" />

			The ''Ba’er Hetev'' likewise discusses sleep in the context of rising during the night. It records differing practices concerning which parts of the year require rising at night and then cites a view recommending eight hours of sleep.<ref name="BaerHetevSleep">Ashkenazi YBS. ''Ba’er Hetev on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim''. 1:6. Sefaria. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://www.sefaria.org/Ba'er/_Hetev/_on/_Shulchan/_Arukh%2C/_Orach/_Chayim.1.6/</ref> As an allusion to this amount, it notes that the numerical value of אז in the phrase ישנתי אז ינוח לי is eight. It does not, however, present eight hours as an inflexible rule, concluding that the appropriate amount depends upon the individual.<ref name="BaerHetevSleep" /> ''Yalkut Yosef'' states, as a general health guideline, that a person should not ordinarily sleep more than eight hours or fewer than six.<ref>Yosef Y. ''Yalkut Yosef''. 5764 ed. Vol 1. p 64.</ref> Accordingly, the six-to-eight-hour range is best presented as the guidance of ''Yalkut Yosef'', rather than as a uniform position shared by all the authorities cited above.

	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==

J e f t: /* Time to Go to Sleep */ Grammar fixes

2026-10-26T23:04:27Z

Time to Go to Sleep: Grammar fixes

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	==Time to Go to Sleep==		==Time to Go to Sleep==
	# According to the Zohar, for spiritual and health reasons, it is proper to sleep in the beginning of the night and to learn Torah during the second half of the night. However the Talmud Bavli and Rambam hold that it is healthy to sleep in the end of the night until Amud HaShachar.<ref> [[Brachot]] 3b relates the story of King David who slept in the first half of the night to then wake up and learn after [[Chatzot]]. This practice of ~~sleep in~~ the beginning of the night is praised in a few places in the Zohar (Noach 72a, Toldot 136c, Beshalach 46a, Vayahakel 185b, Vayikra 13a). So writes the Sh"t Arugot Bosem O"C 1 that the learning at night should be done primarily after [[Chatzot]]. However, Sh"t Chatam Sofer 31 (Jerusalem 5733 edition) writes that the majority practice is to learn in the first half of the night and to sleep after [[Chatzot]]. Rav Ovadyah in Sh"t Yabia Omer Y"D 7:20(2) supports this from the Gemara Yoma 22a (and others) that it is preferable to stay up late learning rather than go to sleep early and subsequently wake up early. This is codified in Yalkut Yosef (edition 5764, vol 1 pg 75). [Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 1:1) writes that Rav Ovadyah's practice was to learn until after [[Chatzot]] and then sleep until morning.] Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 1:1) quoting the Zohar (Vayakel 195b) and Rambam (Deot 4:4) writes that regardless which method one chooses, it is proper to be awake at [[Chatzot]] to learn Torah. [Machazik Bracha 1:1 wonders why the Shulchan Aruch left this Halacha out of his work, since it leads people to be lax in this law.] </ref>		# According to the Zohar, for spiritual and health reasons, it is proper to sleep at the beginning of the night and to learn Torah during the second half of the night. However, the Talmud Bavli and Rambam hold that it is healthy to sleep at the end of the night until Amud HaShachar.<ref> [[Brachot]] 3b relates the story of King David, who slept in the first half of the night to then wake up and learn after [[Chatzot]]. This practice of sleeping at the beginning of the night is praised in a few places in the Zohar (Noach 72a, Toldot 136c, Beshalach 46a, Vayahakel 185b, Vayikra 13a). So writes the Sh"t Arugot Bosem O"C 1 that the learning at night should be done primarily after [[Chatzot]]. However, Sh"t Chatam Sofer 31 (Jerusalem 5733 edition) writes that the majority practice is to learn in the first half of the night and to sleep after [[Chatzot]]. Rav Ovadyah in Sh"t Yabia Omer Y"D 7:20(2) supports this from the Gemara Yoma 22a (and others) that it is preferable to stay up late learning rather than go to sleep early and subsequently wake up early. This is codified in Yalkut Yosef (edition 5764, vol 1, pg 75). [Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 1:1) writes that Rav Ovadyah's practice was to learn until after [[Chatzot]] and then sleep until morning.] Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 1:1), quoting the Zohar (Vayakel 195b) and Rambam (Deot 4:4), writes that regardless of which method one chooses, it is proper to be awake at [[Chatzot]] to learn Torah. [Machazik Bracha 1:1 wonders why the Shulchan Aruch left this Halacha out of his work, since it leads people to be lax in this law.] </ref>
	# If one will fall asleep during [[prayer]] due to the fact that one woke up too early, one can sleep later but should be careful not to miss [[prayer]] with a [[minyan]].<ref> Eliyah Rabba 1:2, Pri Megadim, (quoted by Pitchei Teshuva 1:1), Halacha Brurah 1:1 </ref>		# If one will fall asleep during [[prayer]] due to the fact that one woke up too early, one can sleep later but should be careful not to miss [[prayer]] with a [[minyan]].<ref> Eliyah Rabba 1:2, Pri Megadim, (quoted by Pitchei Teshuva 1:1), Halacha Brurah 1:1 </ref>

YitzchakSultan1: /* Correct Position to Sleep In */

2026-06-12T12:52:51Z

Correct Position to Sleep In

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:52, 12 June 2026
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	==Correct Position to Sleep In==		==Correct Position to Sleep In==
	# One should sleep on one’s side and not face up or down. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch OC 63:1. Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 23:3 says that it is prohibited to sleep on one's back, but leaves out the prohibition to sleep on one's stomach. Mishna Brurah 239:6 says that it is a severe prohibition to sleep on one's back or stomach and one should sleep on one's side. Shalmat Chaim 224 states that the correct position to sleep in should be reinforced with children at the age of nine. </ref>		# One should sleep on one’s side and not face up or down. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch OC 63:1. Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 23:3 says that it is prohibited to sleep on one's back, but leaves out the prohibition to sleep on one's stomach. Mishna Brurah 239:6 says that it is a severe prohibition to sleep on one's back or stomach and one should sleep on one's side. Shalmat Chaim 224 states that the correct position to sleep in should be reinforced with children at the age of nine. </ref>
	# ~~One~~ may place one's bed in any direction that one wants, however if possible it is preferable to situate the head of the bed in the east and the foot of the bed in the west.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 3:6 writes that one should arrange one's bed so that one's feet are towards the south and head towards the north. However, Kaf HaChaim 3:16 cites the opinion of the zohar that one's feet should be in the west direction and head towards the east. Kaf HaChaim sides with the opinion of the zohar though he adds that either opinion is acceptable. Similarly, Or Letzion (vol 2 chap 1:1) writes that one may place one's bed in any direction but it is preferable to follow the zohar. [http://shut.moreshet.co.il/shut2.asp?id=20043 Moreshet.co.il] cites Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in Darkei Tahara as accepting both views. [http://www.ykr.org.il/modules/Ask/answer/5656 ykr.org] also favors the opinion of the zohar.</ref>		# According to Ashkenazim, a person should place his bed north south and not east west.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 3:6, Mishna Brurah 3:11. Even though the Zohar might say otherwise, Mishna Brurah quotes the Gra that even the Zohar means to say like the Gemara. Segulot Rabotenu (p. 240) quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Daat Noteh 1:251) that since the interpretation in the Zohar is unclear a person should follow the Gemara.</ref> According to Sephardim, one may place one's bed in any direction that one wants, however if possible it is preferable to situate the head of the bed in the east and the foot of the bed in the west.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 3:6 writes that one should arrange one's bed so that one's feet are towards the south and head towards the north. However, Kaf HaChaim 3:16 cites the opinion of the zohar that one's feet should be in the west direction and head towards the east. Kaf HaChaim sides with the opinion of the zohar though he adds that either opinion is acceptable. Similarly, Or Letzion (vol 2 chap 1:1) writes that one may place one's bed in any direction but it is preferable to follow the zohar. [http://shut.moreshet.co.il/shut2.asp?id=20043 Moreshet.co.il] cites Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in Darkei Tahara as accepting both views. [http://www.ykr.org.il/modules/Ask/answer/5656 ykr.org] also favors the opinion of the zohar.</ref>
	# One should not sleep with one’s head or feet directly facing the door "in a position that it looks like one was about to be taken out of the room".<ref> Halachically Speaking (vol 3, article 1, pg 2) quoting Rav Yisrael Belsky </ref>		# One should not sleep with one’s head or feet directly facing the door "in a position that it looks like one was about to be taken out of the room".<ref> Halachically Speaking (vol 3, article 1, pg 2) quoting Rav Yisrael Belsky </ref>
	# There is no source anywhere in halachic literature for the custom not to sleep facing the door, therefore if one doesn't have this custom he does not have to adopt it.<ref> https://outorah.org/p/49936/ </ref>		# There is no source anywhere in halachic literature for the custom not to sleep facing the door, therefore if one doesn't have this custom he does not have to adopt it.<ref> https://outorah.org/p/49936/ </ref>

Yashan: Undo revision 32114 by Yashan (talk)

2023-08-07T04:07:48Z

Undo revision 32114 by Yashan (talk)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:07, 7 August 2023
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	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==
	# One should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>		# One should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night (unless a man is sleeping alone in a room and the only other person in the house is a women in which case it is forbidden to leave the door open because of [[Yichud]].) <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>
	# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>		# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>

Yashan: Deleted halachic mistake. If there were any issue of yichud with the door open, it would also apply with the door closed.

2023-08-07T04:01:51Z

Deleted halachic mistake. If there were any issue of yichud with the door open, it would also apply with the door closed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:01, 7 August 2023
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	==Sleeping Alone in a Room==		==Sleeping Alone in a Room==
	# One should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night ~~(unless a man is sleeping alone in a room and the only other person in the house is a women in which case it is forbidden to leave the door open because of [[Yichud]].)~~ <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>		# One should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, if there are others in the same house sleeping in other rooms, one should leave the room door ajar at night <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2 disagrees and writes one should not sleep alone in a room. Mishna Brurah 239:9 states one should not sleep alone in a room at night. However, Shaar HaTziyun 239:17 writes when there are others in the house it can be made permissible by leaving the door ajar. Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] pg 669, Sherit Yosef vol 3 pg 369) also holds that it is forbidden. He however writes if one has no other option than to sleep alone in the room, one should at least leave a light on in the room. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 71:2) agrees.</ref>
	# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>		# Some hold that it is enough to have the door closed and unlocked. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 239:6, BeYitzchak Yikra of Rav Neventzal 239:6 </ref>