5 Colours to fall asleep to…

The benefits of a good night’s sleep can never be underestimated – and being able to fall asleep in the first place is key to the overall goal!  With an estimated four in ten Australians struggling to get to sleep*, Wattyl gives its take on the best colours for mastering the art of a good night’s sleep.

Psychologists have found that both energy and mood are influenced by colour – certain colours will make us feel calm and rested, while others will stimulate.    Put simply, the ganglion cells in our retinas collect information from our visual surroundings and transmit these to the brain.  Non-stimulating colours, such as blue, produce more melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone) while stimulating colours, such as red, produce more cortisol (resulting in poor sleep).

Blue, considered a cool colour, is widely recognised as one of the two best colours to fall asleep to.  Associated with calm and relaxation, blue has numerous positive associations – think clear blue skies, tranquil waters and limpid oceans.  Pastel or soft blues are the best, as darker shades can be a little more stimulating.  Wattyl recommends its Heavenly Tears, Clematis and Piccolini to give a fresh feel to a room while evoking a sense of calm and serenity.