bedroom design can significantly impact sleep patterns. numerous studies demonstrate that the layout, materials, colours and overall aesthetic impacts both the quality and duration of sleep. a useful starting pointing is colour psychology, which suggests that different colours evoke different emotional responses. whilst colour-mood associations are highly personal, research shows that overall muted colours have a calming effect, whereas bold colours stimulate the mind, preventing sleep
ideal colours for aiding sleep:
blue - a 2018 study conducted in university halls found that blue walls created a calming effect on student residents
green - based on biophilic design, the association with nature instantly relaxes the mind
yellow - though only lighter shades. colour-mood association studies reliably conclude yellow is associated with happiness. yellow bedrooms can lead to a positive impact on perception of sleep, improving the overall experience of sleep
soft white/beige - again, the association with earth and nature can help produce a peaceful environment to help induce sleep
bedroom colours to avoid:
red - research shows red is a stimulating colour, and associated with triggering the fight or flight response, the opposite physiological response to rest and sleep
orange - considered to be energetic and uplifting, this would be better suited to spaces which require cognitive stimulation, such as home offices and children’s play rooms
neons - again, demonstrated to be energetic and stimulating, and therefore not conducive to sleep