How to Get Better Sleep with Good Color Choices

The average adult spends one-third of their day in the bedroom asleep. While you may not be conscious during many of those hours, they are far more important to your overall health than you might think. All aspects of the bedroom affect your sleep, including the paint color.

Colors have a powerful psychological impact. When you have a room with such a specific purpose like the bedroom, you have to weigh color in carefully because the wrong color can create an atmosphere that’s not conducive to the two main purposes — sleep and sex.

Comfort and Relaxation

The bedroom should be a sanctuary from outside stress. For that reason, it needs to feel comfortable and relaxing. Shades of green, for example, create a sense of calm and serenity. Part of that calming ability comes the link between the color green and nature. Natural objects, including green items like houseplants, can reduce anxiety and pain to promote relaxation.

Blue has a similar effect. A Travelodge survey found that people who slept in a room painted blue tended to sleep more hours than those who had other colors. If you want something more neutral, a cool gray can often have the same effect as a pastel blue or green. Grays come in all shades with varying undertones. Be sure to try a sample before you commit to any color to make sure you’re getting the color you want.

Light or Dark

Light or pastel colors are often a go-to choice because of their versatility. Light walls are like a blank canvas on which you can build with accessories and decor pieces. Light shades also have the benefit of making the room feel open and inviting.

While pastels are the favored choice of many colors, don’t be afraid of a deeper hue. Dark hues like navy or forest green don’t stimulate the eyes as much as lighter colors and can make a bold statement in the bedroom.

Warm Colors have Their Place

Warm colors have to be used carefully. Reds and oranges stimulate the senses which can enliven your mind and body. While that’s okay in the morning, it can be more problematic at night. Bright yellows and oranges reflect more light than cool shades, waking you up when it’s time to go to sleep.

However, there are exceptions to the rule of keeping warm colors out of the bedroom. Very light, pastel yellows bring a cheeriness to the room without overstimulating the eyes.

If you absolutely love red or orange and you know it’s the perfect color for your bedroom, use it on an accent wall. An accent wall provides a pop of color without overdoing it. Artwork, throws, and accessories are other ways to bring warm colors into the room without disrupting your sleep.

Mix and Match

Don’t feel stuck with one shade. Mixing neutrals by varying the tint can add depth to a room. Whether you’re using whites, blues, or greens, changing the tint from wall to wall or two varying tints can add visual interest without looking disconnected. If you keep the colors close you can create a bedroom that’s cohesive but not boring.