bedroom colours to aid sleep

bedroom design can significantly impact sleep patterns. numerous studies demonstrate that the layout, materials, colours and overall aesthetic impacts both the quality and duration of sleep. a useful starting pointing is colour psychology, which suggests that different colours evoke different emotional responses. whilst colour-mood associations are highly personal, research shows that overall muted colours have a calming effect, whereas bold colours stimulate the mind, preventing sleep

ideal colours for aiding sleep:

• blue - a 2018 study conducted in university halls found that blue walls created a calming effect on student residents

• green - based on biophilic design, the association with nature instantly relaxes the mind

• yellow - though only lighter shades. colour-mood association studies reliably conclude yellow is associated with happiness. yellow bedrooms can lead to a positive impact on perception of sleep, improving the overall experience of sleep

• soft white/beige - again, the association with earth and nature can help produce a peaceful environment to help induce sleep

bedroom colours to avoid:

• red - research shows red is a stimulating colour, and associated with triggering the fight or flight response, the opposite physiological response to rest and sleep

• orange - considered to be energetic and uplifting, this would be better suited to spaces which require cognitive stimulation, such as home offices and children’s play rooms

• neons - again, demonstrated to be energetic and stimulating, and therefore not conducive to sleep