Colour - Mood - Sleep
Look to Mother Nature for the most beautiful colour schemes.
Have you ever walked into a room and felt an immediate shift in your mood? Maybe the soft blue of a wall made you feel calm, or the vibrant yellow of a cushion energised you. Colour is more than just decoration; it’s a powerful tool that affects how we feel, think, and even how well we sleep. Understanding the psychology of colour can help us create spaces that support our emotional well-being and improve our slumber time.
The Psychology of Colour
Colour plays a significant role in shaping our emotions. According to colour psychology, different hues can evoke different feelings. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow are often associated with energy, passion and happiness. Whereas cool tones like blue, green, and purple are linked to calmness, relaxation, and balance.
Scientific studies have explored how colour impacts our state of mind. Research conducted by the University of Sussex found that blue light reduces stress levels by up to 27%. Similarly, a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that people exposed to green environments reported feeling more relaxed and restored compared to those in red or grey spaces.
Dr. Karen Haller, a leading colour psychologist and author of The Little Book of Colour, explains, “Colours interact with our brains on a subconscious level, influencing our emotions and behaviours without us even realising it. By choosing the right colours, we can create environments that promote positivity and peace.”
How Colour Affects Sleep
The way colour affects our sleep is tied to our biology. The human brain is highly sensitive to light and colour, particularly blue wavelengths, which suppress the production of melatonin, the essential sleep hormone. Too much exposure to artificial blue light from screens can disrupt sleep - although it’s tempting to have them with you, keep those phones away from the bedroom!
Colour also plays a key role in setting the tone for relaxation and restfulness in the bedroom. Cool colours are well-known for their calming effects. The colour blue is associated with serenity, it’s even been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, creating the perfect conditions for winding down. A study by Travelodge revealed that people who sleep in cool coloured bedrooms get the best rest, averaging seven hours and fifty-two minutes of sleep per night. A record sleep in my experience!
Green is another great choice for your sleep sanctuary. Reflecting nature and balance, green tones can make a room feel refreshing and restorative. Lighter shades similar to the ocean are particularly soothing without being too stimulating.
Soft pinks and purples also work well in bedrooms, blending the calming properties of blue with a touch of warmth. These colours are often linked to a reduction in anxiety and stress, two common culprits of sleepless nights.
Designing Your Sleep Sanctuary
When creating a bedroom that promotes restful sleep, think beyond the wall colour. Though this is important, the shades of your bedding, curtains, and accessories also play a role. Soft, neutral tones like beige, ivory, and dove grey work well as they’re understated and easy on the eyes, leaving room for you to be playful with your bedding and cushions.
Ultimately, the best colour choices for your bedroom depend on your personal preferences and associations. While blue may work wonders for some, others may find green or pink more soothing. Take notice of how different colours make you feel and play around with where they show up in your sleep space.
Lighting is another key factor. Bright, harsh lights can negate the calming effects of your colour palette. Instead, opt for warm, dimmable lighting to create a cosy ambiance. As Dr. Haller notes, “Lighting and colour go hand in hand. Together, they set the emotional tone of a space.”
Colour has a profound impact on our moods and our ability to rest. By understanding the psychological effects of different hues, we can create environments that support better sleep and overall well-being. Whether it’s painting your walls a tranquil dove grey, layering soft ocean coloured bedding, or adding peony coloured accents, small changes can make a big difference in how you feel at night, and how refreshed you wake up in the morning. Sweet dreams start with the right shades.