-1733484249786.webp)
Did you know that the colour of your bedroom walls could influence your sleep quality? It has been determined that colour affects you psychologically too, inducing feelings of relaxation, dread, and so on. To understand the same, we at OnlyMyHealth connected with an expert, Dr. Sanjay Kumavat, Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
According to him, the ambiance of a room, including the colours, plays a crucial role in promoting a restful night’s sleep. “A proper ambiance and atmosphere are necessary for a good night’s sleep. The colour of the bedroom also has a strong impact on the quality of sleep,” says Dr. Kumavat.
The colour scheme in your bedroom creates either a calming environment conducive to relaxation or a more stimulating atmosphere that can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. The key is creating a space that feels just right for unwinding.
Related: ADHD And Sleep Issues: Understanding The Link And Ways To Tackle Sleep Problems
The Science Behind Colour And Sleep
-1733484639852.jpg)
Scientific studies show that colours can trigger physiological and psychological responses, which is why colour psychology is such an essential field of study. Some colours are known to lower heart rates and reduce stress, making it easier to fall asleep, while others might do the opposite, keeping your mind alert when you need to rest.
Top Stories
-1751352905978.jpg)
-1751527287915.png)
The Best Bedroom Colours For An Amazing Night Of Sleep
Blue, The Relaxation Pro
Blue is widely regarded as one of the best colours to paint your bedroom, and for a good reason. It is often associated with calmness and relaxation, much like the serene qualities of a clear sky or a peaceful body of water. According to Dr. Kumavat, “Painting your bedroom in a soothing colour creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere and helps in inducing sleep. The bedroom should not be noisy or too brightly lit as there should be minimal stimulation for both the brain and the eyes.”
Green, A Nature-Inspired Hue
Green is another excellent choice for bedroom walls. This colour is linked with nature and is known to evoke feelings of comfort, peace, and hope. It is a cool colour, just like blue, and helps in creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. People often associate green with words such as “outdoors,” “grateful,” and “merry,” making it an ideal choice for those who want to feel calm before sleep. Referring to those who are aged, Dr. Kumavat says, “If the individual suffers from dementia, darker colours can feel threatening so their bedrooms should be painted with soothing colours, like in calming shades of green.”
-1733484658743.jpg)
White
Although white isn’t technically a colour (it’s the combination of all wavelengths of light), it can still have a positive effect on your sleep environment. White rooms often stimulate the brain less than colourful rooms, allowing for a clearer mind before bedtime. People commonly associate white with peace, security, and relaxation, which is why it’s a great choice for a bedroom.
Worst Colours For Sleep
While some colours promote relaxation, others can be too stimulating, leading to difficulty in falling asleep. Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow, which have longer wavelengths, are often associated with increased energy and heightened emotions, making them less ideal for a bedroom setting.
The Worst Bedroom Colour
Red may be the most detrimental colour for a good night’s sleep. With its long wavelength, red is known for being highly stimulating and even linked to aggression and excitement. People often associate red with fear, anger, and panic. Dr. Kumavat says, “A child’s bedroom should not be too dimly lit or painted in mellow or dark colours as it can end up scaring them”.
Orange and Yellow, Too Energizing for Sleep
-1733484690728.jpg)
Like red, orange and yellow are considered warm, stimulating colours that can disrupt sleep. These hues are often linked with warmth, happiness, and energy, but they can also keep the brain alert and prevent relaxation.
Black
While darkness generally promotes sleep, black can have negative emotional associations that could hinder relaxation. Black is often linked with feelings of depression, sadness, and fear. While it may not be as stimulating as other colours, the psychological impact of black could create a less welcoming environment for restful sleep.
Related: How To Distinguish Between Tiredness And Excessive Daytime Sleepiness; Why It Matters
Paint Your Walls Wisely And Sleep Tight
Choosing the right colour for your bedroom can significantly impact your sleep cycle. Soothing colours like blue, green, and white promote relaxation and tranquility, helping you unwind after a long day. On the other hand, colours like red, orange, and yellow may create unnecessary stimulation that disrupts sleep.
Dr. Kumavat rightly says, “When you go to bed, you should have a sense that the environment is just right, creating the feeling that it's the perfect place to relax and rest.” Keeping this in our minds, the ideal environment for sleep should be calm and comfortable, inducing a sense of relaxation, both mentally and physically.