Colors that Help You Sleep: Top 5 for Better Rest 2024

How Calming Colors Can Help You to Sleep Better

Colors that help you sleep can drastically improve sleep quality by creating a soothing and peaceful environment. If you’re looking to design a bedroom that promotes restful sleep, consider these colors:

Colors that help you sleep:

1. Blue – associated with calmness and relaxation
2. Green – evokes tranquility and reduces anxiety
3. White and Light Gray – create a clean and minimalist look
4. Beige and Cream – offer warmth and are inviting
5. Light Pink – provides comfort and warmth

Having the right bedroom colors can profoundly affect your emotional state and overall sleep environment. Different colors can impact our emotions in various ways, helping to either energize us or calm us down. Choosing calming colors for your bedroom can make the difference between a restless night and a peaceful slumber.

My name is Ben Trapskin, and as someone who has deeply researched the impact of colors on sleep through my platform ‘Yawnder,’ I am passionate about helping you create a sleep-friendly environment. Join me as we dig into the important role that calming colors can play in enhancing your sleep quality.

Colors that help you sleep terms to remember:

• How to feng shui your bedroom
• alpha sleep waves
• Red Light Therapy for Sleep

The Science Behind Colors and Sleep

Understanding the science behind colors and how they affect sleep can help you make informed choices for your bedroom. Here’s a breakdown of the key concepts:

Color Psychology

Color psychology is the study of how colors impact our emotions and behaviors. Different colors can evoke different feelings, which can either help or hinder your ability to relax and fall asleep.

For example:

• Blue is often associated with calmness and serenity.
• Green evokes a sense of tranquility and renewal.
• Yellow can be cheerful but may also be too stimulating for sleep.

Circadian Rhythm

Your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, is influenced by light and darkness. This internal clock helps regulate when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy.

Historically, the circadian rhythm followed the sun. However, in modern times, artificial light sources can disrupt this natural cycle. Choosing the right colors for your bedroom can help support a healthy circadian rhythm by promoting relaxation and signaling to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Melatonin Production

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep. Exposure to certain colors of light can either boost or inhibit melatonin production.

• Blue light from screens and certain light bulbs can decrease melatonin levels, making it harder to fall asleep.
• Red light, on the other hand, has been found to increase melatonin production, mimicking the natural hues of sunset and signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep.

Emotional Responses

Colors can trigger emotional responses that affect your readiness for sleep. Here’s how some common bedroom colors can influence your emotions:

• Blue: Promotes feelings of safety and relaxation. Studies show that people with blue bedrooms often get longer and more restful sleep.
• Green: Associated with peace and comfort, making it another excellent choice for a calming sleep environment.
• White and Light Gray: These neutral tones can create a clean and spacious feel, helping to clear your mind and reduce stress.
• Beige and Cream: These warm tones are inviting and can make your bedroom feel cozy and secure.
• Light Pink: Offers a sense of comfort and nurturing, which can help you unwind at the end of the day.

By understanding these concepts, you can choose colors that not only make your bedroom look appealing but also support better sleep. Next, let’s explore the best colors for sleep in more detail.

Best Colors for Sleep

Choosing the right colors for your bedroom can significantly impact your sleep quality. Here are some of the best colors to help you create a calming and relaxing environment:

Blue

Blue is one of the best colors for sleep. It’s associated with calmness and relaxation, which can help lower your heart rate and promote longer, more restful sleep.

Studies show that people with blue bedrooms often get more sleep, averaging seven hours and 52 minutes per night. The calming properties of blue can make you feel at ease, reducing stress and anxiety.

Green

Green is another excellent color for sleep. It evokes a sense of tranquility and renewal, reminding us of nature. This color can help reduce anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere.

Green is a non-stimulating color, which means it won’t keep your mind active when you’re trying to wind down. Instead, it promotes a sense of calm and peace, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

White and Light Gray

White and light gray are neutral tones that can create a clean and spacious feel in your bedroom. These colors can help you maintain a clutter-free mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

White and light gray are also versatile, allowing you to mix and match with other calming colors like blue and green. This combination can improve the overall soothing effect of your bedroom.

Beige and Cream

Beige and cream are warm, inviting colors that can make your bedroom feel cozy and secure. These colors are often used in Feng Shui to create a balanced and harmonious environment.

Beige and cream are also very versatile, allowing you to pair them with various accent colors to create a personalized and relaxing space. Their warmth can make your bedroom feel more inviting, helping you unwind at the end of the day.

Light Pink

Light pink is a color that offers a sense of comfort and nurturing. This color can help you unwind and prepare for sleep. While pink is often associated with femininity, its calming properties make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a soothing sleep environment.

Light pink can be paired with other soft colors like white and silver to create a peaceful and inviting bedroom.

Next, we’ll explore the worst colors for sleep and why they might be keeping you awake at night.

Worst Colors for Sleep

While some colors can help you relax and sleep better, others can have the opposite effect. Here are some of the worst colors for sleep:

Red

Red is a highly stimulating color. It can increase your heart rate and make you feel more alert. This is because red is often associated with aggression and stress. Studies have shown that red can even boost brain activity, which is not ideal when you’re trying to relax and fall asleep.

Tip: If you love red, consider using it as an accent color rather than the main color for your bedroom walls.

Black

Black can make a space feel intense and confined. While it might look chic, black walls can create a sense of restlessness and make a room feel smaller. This can lead to feelings of confinement, which are not conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Alternative: Use black in small doses, like on a piece of furniture or a decorative item, rather than painting all the walls black.

Purple

Purple, especially in its brighter and more saturated forms, can be overstimulating. It’s often linked to creativity and imagination, which might keep your mind active when you’re trying to wind down.

Better Choice: Opt for muted shades like lavender, which have cool undertones and can be more soothing.

Dark Brown

Dark brown can create a gloomy and heavy atmosphere. This color can make a room feel oppressive, especially if the space is small. Such a heavy color can hinder the creation of a light and airy sleep environment.

Suggestion: If you like brown, choose lighter, warmer shades with orange undertones to create a more calming effect.

Bright Yellow and Orange

While bright yellows and oranges are cheerful and sunny, they can be too exciting and stimulating for a bedroom. These colors can boost energy levels and keep you alert, which is the opposite of what you want when trying to sleep.

Recommendation: If you’re a fan of yellow or orange, go for softer, muted shades that are less likely to keep you awake.

Next, we’ll discuss how to set up your bedroom for better sleep, including tips on lighting, bedding, and room organization.

How to Set Up Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

Creating a restful environment involves more than just choosing the right wall colors. Here are some tips to help you set up your bedroom for better sleep:

Complement Wall Colors with Bedding

Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom. Choose bedding that matches the calming wall colors you’ve selected. Opt for soft fabrics like cotton or linen, which are breathable and comfortable. This combination will improve your comfort and help you sleep better.

Use Natural and Soft Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for sleep. Use warm lights that mimic the natural evening light. Dimmer switches or lamps with adjustable settings can help you control the light intensity, making it easier to wind down before bed.

Keep a Clutter-Free Space

A tidy bedroom can lead to a more peaceful mind. Clutter can be distracting and stress-inducing, making it harder to relax. Keep your bedroom organized and free of unnecessary items. Consider under-bed storage or baskets to keep things off the floor.

Incorporate Relaxing Elements

Decorate your bedroom with elements that improve tranquility. Think about soothing art in calming colors, soft rugs to reduce noise, and indoor plants to purify the air and add a touch of nature. These elements can create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation.

Control the Temperature

Ensure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature for sleeping, typically between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. This range helps your body maintain its natural temperature drop, which is crucial for falling and staying asleep. Use fans, air conditioners, or heaters as needed to achieve this.

Consider Your Room Layout

The layout of your furniture can affect how you feel in your bedroom. Aim for a layout that promotes stability and calmness. Place your bed in a comfortable position with a clear view of the door, but not directly in line with it. This can create a sense of security and help you relax.

Limit Electronic Distractions

Electronics can disrupt your sleep cycle due to the blue light emitted from screens. Try to keep TVs, computers, and phones out of the bedroom, or at least limit their use before bedtime. If you must use devices, opt for content that promotes relaxation, like sleep stories or white noise.

In the next section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about colors that help you sleep. Stay tuned for more tips on creating a sleep-friendly environment!

Frequently Asked Questions about Colors that Help You Sleep

What color is best for bedroom sleep?

The best color for bedroom sleep is blue. Research shows that blue is associated with calmness and relaxation, which can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure. This makes it easier to fall asleep and enjoy longer, deeper sleep. Studies have found that people with blue bedrooms tend to get the most sleep on average.

What color bedroom is the most relaxing?

For a truly relaxing bedroom, consider soft blues and gentle greens. These colors evoke a sense of tranquility and peace, similar to the calming effects of a clear sky or a lush forest. Warm neutrals like beige and white are also excellent choices, as they create a clean, clutter-free space that can help soothe your mind.

What color helps you stay asleep?

Colors that help you stay asleep are typically muted and gentle. Light blues, greens, and neutrals are less likely to stimulate your brain, making it easier to maintain a restful environment. These colors promote a serene atmosphere, helping you stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed.

By choosing the right colors for your bedroom, you can create a sleep-friendly environment that supports better rest and overall well-being.

Conclusion

At Yawnder, we understand that creating the perfect sleep environment goes beyond just choosing the right colors. Our expert evaluations emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to sleep. This includes selecting the perfect mattress, comfortable bedding, and other sleep products.

Expert Evaluations

Our team of sleep experts conducts thorough evaluations to recommend the best sleep solutions custom to your needs. We consider factors like mattress firmness, material, and even how well it supports your spine. A good night’s sleep starts with a mattress that offers the right balance of comfort and support.

The Perfect Mattress

Investing in a quality mattress is crucial. It should provide a balance of comfort and support to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Whether you prefer a plush or firm mattress, our mattress buying guide can help you make an informed choice.

Comfortable Bedding

Bedding also plays a significant role in your sleep quality. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials can improve comfort and help regulate your body temperature throughout the night. For those who tend to sleep hot, consider cooling sheets like bamboo rayon.

Sleep Products

In addition to mattresses and bedding, other sleep products can improve your sleep environment. Blackout curtains can help eliminate excess light, while rugs can reduce noise. Incorporating relaxing elements like indoor plants and soothing art can also contribute to a serene atmosphere.

By combining the right colors with the best sleep products, you can create a bedroom that promotes restful sleep and overall well-being. For more tips and expert advice on optimizing your sleep environment, visit our sleep study page.

By focusing on these elements, you can transform your bedroom into a sanctuary for better sleep.