Caxton magazines staffDid you know that the colour of your bedroom influences your sleeping patterns? Former Garden and Home features editor, Karien Slabbert investigates how to paint your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
Source: marthastewart.com
At the end of a long day there’s nothing better than getting into bed and drifting off to sleep. But as a chronic insomniac, I often toss and turn until the wee hours of the morning. I would do just about anything to get a good night’s rest. So when I heard that the colour of your bedroom can affect your sleep, I was all ears.
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A recent study has revealed that your bedroom’s colour scheme has a huge impact on your sleeping patterns and even the number of hours of sleep you get every night.
“On average, adults need about seven hours of proper restful sleep, in order to be productive,” says Jenni Jameson, business development manager at TEMPUR. “The colours in your bedroom, as well as your mattress and pillow, play a large role in the quality and quantity of sleep. It is important that your bedroom environment creates a tranquil ambiance conducive to sleep.”
So what is the secret colour of sleep? According to the survey, the following colours will have you in dreamland in no time.
BLUE
Source: marthastewart.com
Blue is known for its soothing attributes; just think of how calming it is to go for a walk on the beach. So unsurprisingly, those with bedrooms this colour tend to get the best rest –nearly eight hours of shut-eye per night. This cool hue can also stabilise your heartbeat, making it ideal for both mental and physical wellness.
TIP: Not keen on an all-blue bedroom? Pairing it with cool green will also have you dozing off in no time.
READ MORE: How to arrange scatter cushions: Expert advice
YELLOW
They don’t call it mellow yellow for nothing. True to its reputation, yellow took second spot in the survey, with just over seven-and-a-half hours of shut eye.
TIP: If you’re not one for bright yellow, opt for a softer buttery shade and pair it with camel-toned accessories, as seen in this country-style bedroom.
Source: centsationgirl.com
WHITE
Gentle whites and creams can be matched with any colour accessories. I love the luminosity and simplicity of this all-white bedroom. It’s an invitation to take a nap.
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Source: deco.fr
OTHER COLOURS
Feeling stressed? Warm shades of orange were found to relax tense muscles, while silver tends to cue the brain that it’s night time. Pink is the perfect antidote to feeling down and will make you feel more optimistic, says the study.
TIP: Opt for a soft powder pink rather than popping cerise. Add a pink textured throw to snuggle under.
Source:marthastewart.com
WORST COLOURS FOR SLEEP
It’s best to steer clear of purple, which tends to overstimulate the senses and can slash nightly hours of rest to less than six. Red, in turn, quickens your pulse – the exact opposite of what you need to go into sleep mode. Although grey and brown are popular neutrals, the study says that they can be too dreary and depressing when used in bedrooms.
