Bedroom color affects sleep time and quality, research shows
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The effects of color on the human brain have widely been studied in science and psychology. From cultural symbolism to memory associations to persuasive tactics in strategic marketing and communications; color has been proven to evoke emotional and physical responses from its viewers.
But what about color and its effect on sleep?
Since the rise of smartphones and mobile technology, studies have emerged regarding the impact of color, specifically blue light displays, on sleep patterns. They are described as throwing “the body’s biological clock – the circadian rhythm – out of whack,” according to Harvard Health Publishing.
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However, little research has been conducted about colors seen in everyday environments, and the power those colors have on individual perceptions, moods and well-being.
According to sleepdoctor.com, Dr. Michael Breus — Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine — provided a list of five colors that play a positive role in sleep patterns: blue, green, beige, white and pink.
Blue
In an article from the Sleep Foundation, a survey showed that people with blue bedrooms, on average, sleep the longest at night.
Widely considered the “most soothing color,” blue is used in color therapy and meditation for its relaxing properties and ability to reduce stress, according to Regain – an online relationship therapy platform owned by Better Help.
These psychological effects ultimately play a role in the physiological integrity of the human body. Because the color blue aids in comfort and security, research indicates it has the power to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn promotes sleep.
However, Jay Summer – a health content writer and editor for the Sleep Foundation – described blue as being dependent on its different shades and hues to make a positive impact.
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“Darker shades of blue can sometimes evoke negative feelings such as sadness, loneliness, and defeat,” Summer said. “This shows how a color’s brightness or darkness can change a person’s emotional response to the color.”
Green
Similar to blue, the color green is another cool-tone that is said to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. But, if shifted to a slightly different shade or hue, it can also “enhance productivity, concentration and creativity,” according to Regain.
Because green has several unique shades, the positive qualities of the color often rely on its similarity to tones found in nature.
“Green can make a space feel peaceful, given that this color is associated with grass, trees, and other plants found in nature,” said Breus at the Sleep Doctor. “These peaceful associations can help you de-stress and relax into a night of restful sleep.”
Creating a green bedroom with muted shades, like mint or sage, and adding natural green elements, like plants, will aid in a better sleeping experience. Breus described indoor plants as promoting sleep and relaxation because of their ability to purify the air and decrease stress levels.
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Beige
Beige is a color that provides a feeling of balance for those in its surroundings.
According to colorpsychology.org, beige is one of the most popular colors for homes. With light beige often attracting interior designers, and ‘contractor beige’ widely used by painters and generic home builders, the color is a neutral that can adapt to all surroundings.
Colorpsychology.org defined beige as a warmer and softer white that represents serenity and simplicity.
Similar to the green and blue’s calming properties, beige can create a “distraction-free space, making it easier for you to fall asleep,” according to Breus.
Because beige can easily be paired and layered with other colors, it opens the door to a lot of creative opportunities. By adding decorations within a similar, sleep-inducing color palette and pairing it with beige walls, people can create a sleeping experience tailor-made for themselves.
White
White is a common neutral that can lead to feelings of calmness, comfort and hope, according to Mental Health America (MHA).
Sometimes used to make a room appear uncluttered and spacious, white minimizes distractions and makes people feel refreshed and organized.
Like many colors, white is said to produce both positive and negative physical effects on the body, MHA said. These include an “enhanced focus and memory,” and an “uncomfortable or blinding feeling when it’s too bright.”
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Uncomfortable feelings, as described by MHA, typically occurs when a room has too much white. This can lead to a sterile environment and feelings of loneliness.
Pink
Pink, in its many different shades and hues, generates a range of emotions and associations for its viewers.
Largely considered a color that promotes positivity and happiness, pink has been used in academic research and as a tool in color therapy. For example, prisons in the 1970s found that painting cell walls pink led to less aggressive behaviors from inmates, according to a research article by Sevinc Kurt and Kelechi Osueke.
Like the other colors, pink is said to lower blood pressure. Specifically, lighter shades can produce soothing and comforting feelings, while brighter pinks can produce overwhelming, overstimulating and energetic feelings.
Although the research of color and its effect on sleep is limited, there are several notable studies that describe the overall impact it has had on human perceptions, behaviors and health.
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The list for the worst bedroom colors, according to Breus, are red, purple, dark brown, black and gray because of their stimulating physical properties and negative impact on emotions.
An individual’s mental and physical health is dependent on many factors, including diet and exercise. However, sleep can affect many vital parts of a person’s well-being when awake.
Prioritizing a comfortable, stress-reducing and relaxing sleep routine – potentially with the help of a soothing paint color –- is crucial to a healthy brain, body and quality of life.
