The Colors of Sleep

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

25 Mar 2009 02:23 PM

Studies have shown that color can have an impact on your mood. If you're having trouble sleeping, the colors in your bedroom may make a difference.

• Green can create feelings of peace and serenity that might make it easier to slow down and sleep. It's also a good color for stress reduction.
• Blue encourages daydreaming, and signals the brain to release soothing, sleepy-time hormones.
• Purple helps calm anxiety and slow muscle responses.
• Pink can be calming, but different shades can appeal to different sexes. Women tend to prefer purple or blue pinks, while men prefer yellow-toned pinks like peach or apricot.

You may want to avoid bright reds, oranges, and yellows in your bedroom decor, as they can be less relaxing than other colors. I remember a study done on fast food restaurants that found that colors like red and yellow encouraged people to move and eat quickly and be on their way. Is that the way you want to feel in your bedroom? Rushed?

Not all people have the same color associations... but if you can figure out which colors are calming for you, it may help you get a more peaceful night's sleep. I've always been a big fan of light blues and greens -- most of my sheets and blankets are in those colors.

I wonder if the warm colors like red and yellow rev people up because they're bright like daylight? Cool colors like blues and greens may encourage the brain to think it's nighttime.

Living in an apartment? You may not be able to paint the walls how you'd like for a sweet night of sleep. But that doesn't mean you can't use the power of color to help you get some rest!

• Use peaceful blues and greens for your sheets and blankets.
• Pick pictures or wall hangings in relaxing color schemes.
• Area rugs can add soothing color to the bedroom.
• Hang curtains in sleep-friendly colors.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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