We all know that good sleep hygiene is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Not getting enough sleep can put you at risk for heart disease, and also take a toll on your perception and judgment, leading to reduced productivity.1 If you work heavy machinery or try to drive while sleep deprived you can cause major accidents or maybe even fatalities. Maintaining a regular sleep cycle where you get at least 7 hours of sleep a night can help you concentrate better and make fewer mistakes.
One way to help you get a good night’s sleep is, believe it or not, changing the color of your bedroom walls. These are some colors that can help you relax and calm your nerves, helping you fall asleep faster.
1.Blue
Blue is shown to be the most effective when it comes to calming the body. It is said that the color blue helps the body produce calming chemicals and promotes relaxation. Studies show that patients in hospitals felt cleaner, happier and more well rested in rooms that were painted blue.2
2. Pale Pink
This pale pink tone is seen to have a soothing effect as well. In a prison study, those inmates that lived in wings that had pale pink walls had significantly fewer incidents of aggression and violence as compared to the other prison wings. In fact, pink holding cells are used to contain violent inmates for a period of time to calm their temper.3
However, preference for color is subjective and if you find yourself drawn to other shades, try these other colors which may also have soothing effects.
3. Pale Yellow
Pale yellow can be a great addition to a bedroom with lots of natural light. During the day the room will seem bright and stimulating but is neutral enough at night or in dimmer light to help you fall asleep without disturbance.
4. Moss Green
If you are drawn to green shades, this moss green is a great option. Its earthy tone reflects a natural surrounding which can really help calm the mind.
5. Gray
Though most painters recommend a cooler tone for bedrooms, cool gray tones can make a bedroom look stark and depressing. Warm gray tones such as taupe or charcoal, however, can produce the calming effect you’re looking for, especially when paired with blue accessories and furniture in the room.
6. Beige Or Cream
These natural tones lighten up the room. They are neutral colors that won’t stimulate the senses and help you relax much easier.
General Rules To Keep In Mind
- Try to stick to earthy, natural tones. They help mimic a natural setting. This is what most spas aim for and it should work in your bedroom as well.
- Try sticking to cool tones of colors as well. Warmer tones may be brighter and overstimulate the eyes not allowing you to relax
- If you work night shifts, going to sleep in broad daylight can be bothersome. Try painting the ceiling a dark color. This may help you go to sleep during the day.
- Stay away from stark white or bright primary colors. Bright reds and purples can awaken your nervous system since they signal danger or simply just demand your attention. Going to sleep in these conditions can prove difficult.
- You may be tempted to use bright colors for children’s bedrooms but the same applies. If you must use a bright color, choose something that is more muted and has cool tones.
Of course, changing the color of your bedroom walls is only one step towards better sleep. In addition, cut out screen time from your laptop or phone before bedtime, exercise, stay away from caffeine, and regularize your routine to help you get the required amount of sleep.
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