Hindu Beliefs

– Manu Smriti and Dharmasutras: These ancient texts advise against sleeping during sunset, suggesting that it brings great guilt and shortens life. Sleeping at this time is considered inappropriate because it is a period meant for meditation and reflection. The Manu Smriti specifically mentions that sleeping during sunset can lead to penalties and is considered a sin.

– Promoting Lethargy:It is believed that sleeping at sunset increases tamasic (lethargic) tendencies, which are considered undesirable. This time is traditionally seen as ideal for lighting lamps and performing evening prayers to invite divine blessings and ward off evil forces [oai_citation:1,Is it prohibited in scriptures to sleep at the sandhya time? – Hinduism Stack Exchange](https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/51643/is-it-prohibited-in-scriptures-to-sleep-at-the-sandhya-time) [oai_citation:2,Why We Should Not Sleep In Evening (Sunset)](https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/why-we-should-not-sleep-in-evening-sunset).

Egyptian Beliefs

Belief in the danger of sleeping at sunset dates back to ancient Egyptians, who supposedly thought that “the chariot of the god Ra crosses the realm of the dead at sunset. And evil creatures might slip through the slightly opened gates, so it’s important to be awake at sunset to protect oneself.”

Slavic Beliefs

The ancient Slavs supposedly believed that “the rising sun endows everyone with life-giving energy. During sunset, the ‘red-hot star’ takes this energy away.”

Ayurvedic and Astrological Beliefs

Ayurveda teaches that sleeping at sunset leads to poverty. Astrologers explain the prohibition on sleeping at sunset by saying that during this time “the brain does not fill the body with life-giving prana but rather dries out the energy channels.”

Islamic Beliefs

In Islam, there is the concept of “faylula” — sleep after the noon prayer until the beginning of the evening prayer, which is considered prohibited.

Kazakh Legends

In Kazakh legends, sunset is the time of the battle between good and evil, so falling asleep during the decisive fight is unsafe.

Physical and Cognitive Consequences

In articles about the harm of sleeping at sunset, consequences for the body are listed: a feeling of disorientation, headache, dizziness, strong thirst, tremors in the limbs, general manifestations of severe weakness, inability to think clearly.

Cosmetic Consequences

There are also warnings from cosmetologists that such sleep “negatively affects appearance, which is especially relevant for women. After it, puffiness under the eyes appears, wrinkles become more noticeable, and the overall condition of the skin and hair deteriorates.”

Exclusion of Mythological Explanations

Mythological explanations like “sunset is the border between the world of the living and the dead,” as well as alternative practice approaches using concepts like “prana” and “energy channels,” will also be excluded from this analysis.

The Role of Melatonin in Sleep Cycles

When explaining the potential harm of sleeping at sunset, the sleep hormone — melatonin — is usually remembered first. The argument goes like this: in the dim light of sunset, the body is unable to produce it in sufficient quantities. Melatonin is indeed produced in complete darkness; its production increases on average two hours before nighttime sleep, and the peak falls between midnight and 3 a.m. At the same time, the melatonin production curve is significantly stable for each person and does not change sharply with a one-time change in the usual schedule. So, deciding to take a half-hour nap in the evening once will not disrupt the melatonin cycle.

The Green Flash Phenomenon

Green Flash

The green flash is an optical phenomenon that occurs at sunset or sunrise, where a part of the Sun appears to change to a bright green color for a brief moment. This occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a prism, separating sunlight into different colors. The green flash has been surrounded by various myths and legends. Mariners have historically associated it with omens, and in popular culture, it has been linked to significant events, such as a soul returning from the dead in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies [oai_citation:7,The Green Flash: Legends, Lore, and Science Behind The Sunset Phenomenon – Farmers’ Almanac – Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life.](https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-green-flash) [oai_citation:8,Green flash – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash) [oai_citation:9,The green flash at sunset – myth or fact? – Geographical](https://geographical.co.uk/science-environment/phenomena-the-green-flash-at-sunset).

These beliefs highlight a common thread across various cultures and traditions that associate sunset with significant spiritual, physical, and social implications, emphasizing the importance of remaining awake and engaged during this transitional time.

Sunset as a Time for Meditation and Focus

Sunset is considered a significant and sacred time in many spiritual and cultural traditions. This transitional period between day and night is often seen as an ideal time for meditation and focused introspection.

Spiritual Significance

1. Hinduism and Vedic Traditions:

• In Hinduism, sunset (sandhya) is a crucial time for performing prayers and meditative practices. It is believed that meditating during this period helps in aligning oneself with natural cosmic rhythms and maintaining spiritual balance. The Dharmashastras, including the Manusmriti, emphasize that this is a time for self-reflection and spiritual duties rather than rest.

1. Ayurveda:

• Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, also underscores the importance of maintaining wakefulness during sunset. This period is associated with the Vata dosha, which governs movement and communication. Meditative practices during this time can help calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep later in the evening.

1. Esoteric and New Age Beliefs:

• Modern esoteric traditions often highlight sunset as a time of powerful energy transitions. Meditating at sunset is believed to enhance one’s spiritual awareness and connection to higher realms. The phenomenon of the green flash, a rare optical event observed at sunset, is sometimes considered a symbol of spiritual insight and awakening.

Practical Benefits

1. Mental Clarity:

• Taking time to meditate at sunset can help clear the mind from the day’s activities and prepare for the calm of the evening. This practice can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

1. Emotional Balance:

• Focusing and meditating during sunset allows for emotional release and balance. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences and let go of any negative emotions, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.

1. Preparation for Rest:

• By engaging in quiet, focused activities during sunset, individuals can create a smooth transition into the evening. This can lead to better sleep quality and a more restful night.

Cultural Practices

1. Daily Rituals:

• In many cultures, daily rituals and prayers are performed at sunset to honor deities and seek blessings. These practices are intended to harness the spiritual energies present during this liminal time.

1. Community Activities:

• Sunset is often a time for communal activities and gatherings. Engaging in collective meditation or prayer can strengthen social bonds and create a supportive spiritual community.

In summary, sunset is an opportune time to engage in meditation and focused practices. This period of natural transition offers a unique moment for spiritual reflection, mental clarity, and emotional balance, contributing to overall well-being and spiritual growth.