Many people wonder if painting their bedroom walls green will help create a calming environment that promotes better sleep and relaxation. Green is thought to be a peaceful, natural color, but does the science back up the idea that green bedrooms are more calming? Let’s take a closer look at some of the evidence.
The Psychology Behind Green
Green is strongly associated with nature, growth, renewal, and harmony. Looking at green surroundings like grass, trees, and forests is psychologically calming for humans. Researchers believe this is due to an innate preference developed through evolution. Being surrounded by lush vegetation signaled that an area was rich in resources and free from danger. As a result, we learned to associate the color green with safety and relaxation.
Studies show that green has a number of positive psychological effects:
– Improves mood and alleviates negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger
– Enhances feelings of comfort, harmony, and hope
– Reduces fatigue and improves performance on tasks requiring focused attention
– Lowers stress levels by inducing relaxation and decreasing muscle tension and blood pressure
The mechanisms behind these effects relate to how our brains perceive color on a neural level. The visual cortex contains special neurons that respond selectively to color. Green activates calming neurons, while alsosuppressing neurons associated with negative emotions. This combination is believed to drive green’s soothing influence.
Green and Sleep Quality
Given its relaxing qualities, it seems logical that green would also promote better sleep. Sleep issues like insomnia are strongly tied to high stress, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts – all things that green is known to reduce.
Some small studies support this idea and have found links between green and improved sleep quality:
– A study of over 2,500 elementary school students in China found that those in classrooms with more exposure to the color green had significantly better sleep quality.
– Two small trials in the UK examined how different colored lights in bedrooms affected sleep in adults. Green light resulted in significantly less anxiety and deeper sleep compared to red or white light.
– A study in Japan tested the effects of an herbal supplement with green components on sleep issues in middle-aged women. After 8 weeks, women taking the supplement reported improved sleep satisfaction and fewer sleep disturbances compared to the control group.
While more research is still needed, these early findings suggest green environmental cues may have a beneficial effect on sleep regulation.
The Green Bedroom
Painting your bedroom walls green is one way to take advantage of green’s calming nature. But not all shades of green may have the same effects.
Cooler, more saturated greens are thought to be the most relaxing. These deeper greens are reminiscent of forests and promote feelings of harmony. Popular relaxing greens for bedrooms include:
– Hunter Green
– Forest Green
– Malachite Green
– Shamrock Green
– Jade Green
Brighter, yellow-based greens may actually have an energizing effect since they lift mood without inducing sleepiness. Greens like lime, chartreuse, and apple green are better suited to workspaces where alertness is desired.
If going all green feels overwhelming, consider just painting an accent wall or using green bedding like sheets and pillowcases. This allows you to experiment with the color without totally committing.
Other Calming Bedroom Ideas
While green walls can set a peaceful mood, a holistic approach works best for creating a comforting space. Here are some other tips for maximizing coziness and relaxation in the bedroom:
Limit Electronics
Electronic devices like TVs, laptops, and phones are stimulating and can negatively impact sleep. Try to keep your bedroom as a tech-free zone reserved for rest.
Buy Soft Bedding
Splurge on high-thread count sheets, wool blankets, and soft pillows. Natural fabrics have soothing textures that ease the transition into sleep.
Reduce Clutter & Add Storage
An organized, clutter-free room feels calmer and more spacious. Add storage like bins, drawers, and shelves to keep necessities accessible but out of sight.
Install Dimmer Switches
Being able to control the lighting ambiance makes it easier to create a relaxing mood. Dimmer switches let you go from bright day to cozy night.
Diffuse Essential Oils
Aromatherapy using lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and other calming scents promotes tranquility. Use an essential oil diffuser or place oils on cotton balls inside decorative boxes.
Soundproof Your Space
Block outdoor noises that might disturb sleep with thick drapes, rugs, and insulation. Earplugs and sound machines can help drown out noise too.
Keep It Cool & Dark
Your body craves a cool, pitch black environment for sleeping. Invest in light blocking curtains and set your thermostat around 65°F at night.
Should You Go for Green?
Based on the research, it seems fair to say that green bedrooms stand a good chance of being calming. Green’s association with nature sets the stage for relaxation, while its positive neurological effects reduce stress and promote healthy sleep regulation. However, response to color is somewhat subjective. You may or may not react favorably to enveloping yourself in green!
If you gravitate toward green hues, incorporate them strategically into your bedroom using paint, textiles, accents, or electronics with color-customizable lights. Combining green with other calming tactics can help transform your space into a sleep sanctuary. But also pay attention to your personal reactions over time. If green doesn’t have the desired effect, you can always repaint and try out a new color scheme. With some trial and error, you’ll eventually land on your ideal soothing surroundings.
Conclusion
While more research is warranted, the existing evidence indicates green has the potential to create calmer, more restorative bedroom environments. Green’s natural, positive psychological associations combined with its measurable effects on mood, focus, and sleep all lend credibility to the idea that green walls can facilitate tranquility and rejuvenation. However, individuals may respond differently based on personal preferences. The only way to know for sure is to experiment with green paint, textiles, lighting, or décor accents and gauge their impact. When paired with other relaxing elements like soft bedding, dim lighting, and a tech-free space, a green bedroom could lead to better sleep, lowered anxiety, and an oasis of relaxation in your own home.
