The Surprising Bedroom Colour That Taps Into Your Ancient Brain to Help You Sleep

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., counting sheep that never seem to arrive, the answer to your sleep woes might not be in a new mattress or a fancy pillow. It could be written all over your walls.

It turns out that the colour you paint your bedroom has a profound, almost primal, impact on your ability to rest. While we often choose colours based on the latest trends, we might be ignoring the ancient wiring in our brains that connects certain hues with deep states of relaxation. It’s a simple trick of psychology, and it could completely change how you sleep.

According to Jessie Brooks, a Product Manager with a deep understanding of colour psychology at Davincified, there’s one specific shade that consistently helps people drift off into a peaceful slumber.

The Secret Colour of Sleep

The most effective colour for promoting sleep is not just any blue, but a specific muted blue. Think of the colour of the sky just after the sun has dipped below the horizon, or the calm, deep grey-blue of a tranquil sea.

“Muted blue has this incredible ability to create a sense of peace and lower feelings of stress,” Brooks explains in a recent press release. “When you look at these gentle blue shades, your mind associates them with evening skies or calm water. It’s a visual cue that encourages your body to wind down.”

This isn’t just about feeling calm. This response is deeply embedded in our psychology. Our brains are hardwired to associate cool, soft colours with the end of the day. The gentle, fading light of twilight has signalled to humans for millennia that it’s time to rest, to be calm, and to prepare for sleep. Painting your room in these shades is like sending a powerful, subconscious signal to your ancient brain that the day is done.

Of course, not all blues are created equal. Brooks is quick to point out that bright, electric blues can have the opposite effect, creating a sense of energy and stimulation. The magic lies in those dusty, softer tones that mimic the natural colours of dusk.

The Colours That Keep You Awake

Just as some colours can lull you to sleep, others can act like a shot of espresso for your nervous system. Brooks warns that some of the most popular interior design colours are the worst offenders for a peaceful bedroom.

“The biggest mistake I see people make is choosing bedroom colours that actually work against their sleep,” she notes. “Bright reds are the worst offenders since they’re like having an energy drink for your walls.”

Our brains associate red with energy, danger, and excitement. It can increase heart rate and alertness, which is the very last thing you want when you’re trying to drift off. Similarly, vibrant neon tones, like hot pink or electric green, send wake-up signals to your brain, disrupting your natural sleep cycle. Even a stark, clinical white can sometimes feel too harsh and unwelcoming for a true sanctuary of rest.

How to Create Your Sleep Sanctuary

Ready to harness the power of colour psychology? Here are a few simple tips from Brooks to turn your bedroom into the ultimate sleep haven.

• Pair Blue with Neutrals: Complement your new muted blue walls with bedding in soft, neutral colours like cream, pale grey, or soft white. This creates a calming, cocoon-like feeling. You can find beautiful, ethically sourced options from our partners at Ethical Bedding or Nest Bedding.
• Warm, Gentle Lighting: Harsh overhead lights can instantly kill a restful mood. Opt for warm-toned bulbs in table lamps or consider installing a dimmer switch. Our friends at Dusk Lighting have some wonderful options.
• Incorporate Natural Textures: Ground the space by adding elements of wood, cotton, or linen. A simple wooden picture frame, a soft cotton throw, or even a houseplant can amplify the calming, natural atmosphere.
• Choose Soothing Artwork: Your art should complement the peaceful vibe. Avoid anything too chaotic or emotionally charged. Gentle landscapes or simple abstract pieces in calming colours work best. Check out the collections on Art.com or Saatchi Art for inspiration.

Of course, if you’re ready to take the plunge, you can find the perfect shade of muted blue from paint specialists like The Paint Shed or Frenchic Paint.

In Pure Spirit It’s fascinating to think that our modern homes can be influenced by the same ancient cues that governed our ancestors’ lives. The idea that the colour of a twilight sky can be bottled into a can of paint and used to improve our well-being is a perfect example of how science and a little bit of mystery can work together. What do you think? Have you noticed how different colours affect your mood? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo by Nick Wright on Unsplash