How Paint Colors Can Affect Your Sleep

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In our previous blog, Paint and Paint Finishes, we talked about how paint finishes can make a noticeable difference in your home and your mood, but did you know that the paint color in your bedroom can also affect your sleep? It’s true! According to the CDC, more than 35% of Americans struggle with getting enough sleep for their bodies. Certain colors can make the body respond to sleep better, while others inhibit sleep. If you feel you’ve been sleep deprived and have tried to find a solution, now may be the time that you consider your surroundings.

Examples of Muted Colors and Lighter Shades

When thinking of a color scheme for the bedrooms in your home, you will want to choose muted colors and lighter shades. Avoiding glossy, satin, or eggshell paint and vibrant colors can help improve your sleep pattern. Anything but a flat paint application can reflect light and stimulate your brain, keeping you awake or preventing you from entering a deep sleep or REM cycle. Faded pastel colors can also help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to fall asleep faster. Here are some examples of muted colors and lighter shades that can help you get some sleep.

1. Blue

Blue is one of the best colors to promote sleep. It evokes a state of tranquility and calmness and tends to be more muted than other loud colors like yellow or red.

2. Green

Green can be reminiscent of nature and can create a state of relaxation. You can also bring in plants and photos of nature to enhance a more natural environment.

3. White

White and shades of off-white emulate peacefulness and promote happy thoughts of a clean and fresh room.

4. Lavender

Darker shades of purple can stimulate your brain and inspire your creative side, while lighter lavender or lilac shades can help de-stimulate and calm your brain. Below are some examples of the slight differences in purple hues that can significantly impact your brain and its activity.

Spangle from Sherwin Williams is a shade purple with more red, while Potentially Purple and Wishful Blue have more blue undertones.

Other Design Aspects to Help You Sleep

  • Blackout Curtains (They Make More Stylish Ones Now)
  • Light Switch Dimmers to Lower the Lights as You Unwind
  • Keeping The Thermostat Low
  • Multiple Layers of Bedding (Sheet, Comforter, Blanket/Quilt)
  • Muted Color-Coordinating Designs
  • Décor to Complement the Paint Finishes
  • White Noise (Fans, Sound Machine, Apps)

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you struggle with sleep and think you’ve tried everything, maybe assess your sleep environment. Think about what is in your room right now. Does it align or go against what we’ve mentioned above? Sometimes it is the little things that can make a huge difference. If you need guidance on other ways to enhance the bedrooms in your home, we would love to help you so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.