When it comes to choosing an alarm clock for your bedroom, one of the most important factors to consider is the color. The color of your alarm clock can actually impact how restful and deep your sleep is at night. Certain colors have been shown to promote relaxation and sleep, while others can be too stimulating and disrupt a good night’s rest. In this article, we will explore how color affects sleep and review the best and worst alarm clock colors for your bedroom. We’ll also provide specific alarm clock recommendations in soothing, sleep-friendly colors. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to choose the best color alarm clock for sleeping!
How Color Affects Sleep
Research has demonstrated that color significantly impacts mood, brain activity, and various physiological processes in the body. Exposure to certain colors has been found to raise or lower heart rate and blood pressure for example. Given how sensitive we are to color, it makes sense that the hue of your alarm clock could affect how restful your sleep is. Here’s an overview of what studies reveal about color and sleep:
| Color | Effect on Sleep & Restfulness |
|---|---|
| Blue | Blue light exposure in the evening from screens suppresses melatonin and delays sleep onset. However, studies show blue walls and decor can have a calming effect. |
| Green | Green is thought to promote deep, restorative sleep. It also helps relaxation. |
| Yellow | Yellow stimulates the brain which can disrupt sleep. But some shades of yellow can promote optimism. |
| Red | Red light exposure at night also suppresses melatonin like blue light. Red décor can also raise brain stimulation. |
| Orange | Like red and yellow, orange is mentally stimulating and may impair sleep. |
| Pink | Soft pink hues have a soothing, calming effect that promotes sleep onset. |
| Purple | Like blue, purple can have a relaxing effect and help sleep. |
| Brown | Deep browns are associated with relaxation and sleep. |
| White | Crisp white light suppresses melatonin. But natural white light helps regulate circadian rhythm. |
As you can see, green, blue, pink, purple, and brown colors tend to have a more relaxing and sleep-inducing effect. On the other hand, red, orange, and yellow are very stimulating shades that can impair rest. White light can help align circadian rhythms properly but cool white light sources in the evening decrease melatonin. With these effects in mind, choosing an alarm clock in a soothing, low arousal color is ideal for uninterrupted slumber.
Best Colors for Bedroom Alarm Clocks
When selecting an alarm clock for your nightstand, stick to more muted, darker shades of cool colors like green, blue, purple, brown, and gray. Here are the top color choices to consider for restful sleep:
Green: Green is thought to be one of the most sleep-promoting colors. Go for a soft sage green alarm clock for deep, healing rest. Jade and forest greens are also nice natural tones. Mint green adds a splash of vibrancy while still being pale and soothing enough for sleep.
Blue: From baby blue to navy, different shades of blue can have a relaxing, sleep-inducing effect. Light or powder blue creates a soft, tranquil mood. Darker blues like indigo or navy exude comfort and remind people of the night sky.
Pink: For a feminine vibe, pastel pinks like blush pink and lilac can relax the mind before bed. Avoid bright or hot pink though as being too stimulating.
Purple: Lavender and soft lilac purple both encourage relaxation and sleepiness. Darker eggplant purple can also set the mood for rest.
Brown: Warm chocolate browns give a soothing, earthy feel that promotes nestling into bed. Go for milk chocolate or cappuccino colored alarm clocks. Dark espresso browns are very grounding.
Gray: There are so many restful shades of gray that work for the bedroom. Light silver gray, charcoal, sleet gray, and gunmetal gray all exude zen relaxation.
Aim for matte or muted glossy finishes since shiny or metallic alarm clocks will reflect light and be too stimulating. Also be sure to avoid placing any brightly colored alarm clocks right next to your bed. If using a vibrant purple, green or blue clock, position it across the room so it doesn’t shine directly in your eyes as you are trying to fall asleep.
Worst Color Alarm Clocks for Sleep
On the other hand, here are the alarm clock colors that can impair your beauty rest:
Yellow: Sunny yellow is much too stimulating for the bedroom. Opt for a more subdued oatmeal or mustard instead of bright yellow alarm clocks.
Orange: Vibrant orange tones energize the mind making it harder to sleep. Even pale peach can look too bright next to your bed.
Red: Red is also very energizing and arousal-increasing, especially vivid crimson reds. Dark oxblood red may be tolerable across the room.
White: Crisp clean white gives off a glare that can make it hard to fall asleep. Soft cream is a warmer alternative.
In general, avoid complementary colors that contrast strongly like red and green or orange and blue. The high visual stimulation can impair rest. Also skip clocks with flashing or colored lights since different wavelengths of light can shift circadian rhythms.
Best Alarm Clocks by Color
Here are some top rated, high quality alarm clock recommendations available in serene, sleep-friendly colors:
| Brand | Model | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Philips | SmartSleep Wake-Up Light | White, Light Pink |
| Jall | Digital Alarm Clock | Green, Gray, Brown |
| Peakeep | Small Battery-Operated Analog Alarm | Light Green, Purple, Navy |
| Mesqool | Digital Clock with Dimmer | Mint Green, Lavender |
| Sony | ICFC-1 Alarm Clock | Black, Blue |
| Travelwey | Home LED Digital Clock | Silver, Teal |
| SHANLONYI | Night Light Digital Clock | Blue, Pink |
Ideally, find an alarm clock with adjustable color temperature so you can reduce stimulating blue light exposure at night. You can also search for sunrise wake up lights that use gentle light to transition your body into waking up. Bulb and Hatch offer customizable sunrise alarms with relaxing color options. Ultimately, aim for the most restful shades of cool colors that will keep your mind calm and promote deep slumber.
Conclusion
The color of your bedside alarm clock can impact how well you sleep at night. Cooler, darker shades of blue, green, purple, gray and brown promote the most relaxation and deepest sleep. Avoid placing brightly colored red, orange, or yellow alarm clocks right next to your bed. Stimulating shades coupled with LED lights or screens can impair rest. Look for adjustable clocks that allow you to customize soothing colors and dim displays at bedtime. With the right soothing hues, your new alarm clock will help create the ideal sleep sanctuary so you wake up refreshed every morning!
