One-quarter of Americans will suffer from insomnia each year. If you’re one of them, you know how frustrating it can be to try to fall asleep, especially if you’ve taken several measures to help you relax and lull you into drowsiness.One thing you may want to consider is the color of your bedroom paint. Although it may sound like an insignificant detail, the color of your walls may be to blame for your lack of quality sleep. Red light, for example, has been found to make cattle more aroused than blue or green light.
The Psychology Of Color
The psychology of color shows us that color has the ability to influence our mood, appetite, and feelings more than we realize.
There are several colors that may prove soothing for your sleeping space, and there are many you may wish to avoid. Here’s a look at the best and worst paint colors for your bedroom.
Colors to Avoid
These are the hues that can increase energy or distract you from obtaining a full night’s sleep.
Anything Bright
Vibrant colors such as hot pink, Kelly green, and royal blue are definitely fun, but unfortunately, these paint shades won’t do much to help you get a good night’s rest. Anything bright tends to be overstimulating. Save these for the family entertainment area or home office where alertness is encouraged.
Red
As already mentioned, red is a very energizing color. While you may think the color of romance and passion is a match made in heaven for your bedroom, the truth is it may subconsciously keep you awake. Even dark brick reds and burgundy should be avoided. Red works well in the living room area or kitchen.
Very Dark Colors
Brown, black, dark gray, and deep purple can also come across as very intense and even intimidating in your bedroom space.
Colors That Encourage Relaxation
Instead of choosing the paint shades listed above, go for colors that soothe and encourage relaxation. Think of the colors you’ve seen in the waiting areas of spas, hair salons, and doctors’ offices—they probably were not of the intense variety. The following colors work very well in the bedroom.
Green
It’s the color of nature, and generally, lighter and more natural-looking greens such as sage and spearmint may help induce sleep. Green also improves concentration, so if you enjoy reading as part of your bedtime routine, being surrounded by green-colored walls may help you absorb information better. Avoid Kelly green and others on the brighter end of the green spectrum.
Blue
What do China, Great Britain, the U.S., and Indonesia all have in common? People in these countries—as well as several others—say blue is their favorite color. Maybe it’s because it’s a soothing and naturally occurring color on our planet—the sky and bodies of water are blue, and Earth itself is blue when viewed in space. One study found that blue light brought down stress levels three times faster than white light did. This is important to know, as stress can hinder sleep.
And it doesn’t have to be a light blue to help you relax. Try a navy or nautical blue in your bedroom.
Lilac and Lighter Purples
If you’re looking for something a little different, try a pastel-to-medium purple in your bedroom.
Neutrals
You can’t go wrong with any natural paint color or neutrals in the bedroom, particularly grey (as long as it’s a light grey) tan, and cream. A bonus of choosing these paint colors is that they also make it easy to find complementary bedding and furnishings.
Paint Your Way to Restful Sleep
If you’re having a hard time getting quality sleep, trying one of the suggested colors above and see if it makes a difference. The best part about using paint to help you fall asleep better? You can always paint over it and try another shade if one isn’t working out for you.
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