Choosing the right color sheets can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. The color of your bed sheets affects factors like mood, temperature regulation, and ambiance, which all contribute to how well you sleep at night. Certain colors like blue, green, and purple have calming properties that promote better sleep, while colors like red and orange can stimulate the brain and disrupt sleep. When selecting bed sheets, it’s important to consider the effect that color has on sleep and choose sheets in hues that will help create a restful sleep environment.
How Color Affects Sleep
Color has a direct impact on mood, brain activity, and physiological factors like heart rate and body temperature. This means the color of your sheets can influence how you feel when you’re in bed and the quality of your sleep throughout the night.
During sleep, your brain produces different brain waves that correspond to the various stages of sleep. Softer, cooler colors like blues and greens have a calming effect on the brain and help generate the slower brain waves you need for deep, restorative sleep. Conversely, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are stimulating colors that can disrupt sleep by increasing brain activity.
Color also impacts your circadian rhythm, which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Cooler colors signal to your brain that it’s time for bed, while warmer hues trick your brain into feeling like it’s still daytime. This is why experts recommend keeping your sleep space decorated in cool tones.
Additionally, color affects the ambiance or look and feel of your sleep environment. The right color sheets can make your bedroom feel serene and inviting. This helps tap into the conditioned response of feeling sleepy when in your bedroom. On the other hand, bright, bold colors can make your room feel too busy and disrupt this connection.
Best Colors for Sleep
When it comes to picking the best colored sheets for a good night’s rest, here are the top colors to consider:
Blue
Blue is one of the most recommended colors for sleep. Different shades of blue have a calming, peaceful effect that quiets the mind and promotes relaxation. Blue signals to the brain to produce more melatonin, which is the sleep hormone. This results in greater sleepiness and better sleep quality. Pastel shades like periwinkle, powder blue, and sky blue work especially well for bedrooms and bed sheets.
Green
Like blue, green is considered a cool, calming color that primes the body for sleep. Green is associated with relaxation, tranquility and positive feelings. Emerald, sage, and seafoam green linens can help set the stage for deep, restorative sleep. Some studies show that green can reduce anxiety, which also bolsters sleep.
Purple
Purple is another top choice for the best bed sheet color. The cool tones of purple, especially soft pastel lavender or lilac shades, are strongly associated with relaxation and luxury. The cool undertones of purple evoke a sense of tranquility and calmness. This color helps quiet mental chatter before bed so you can relax into sleep more easily. Purple sheets also complement a bedroom designed for good sleep.
Gray
Gray is a neutral color that has similar sleep-promoting properties to blues and greens. It is a cool, muted shade that helps reduce stimulation in your sleep space. Different shades of gray can create a soft, cozy ambiance that says it’s time for bed. Light gray, charcoal gray, silver and pewter sheets offer the benefits of cool tones without being too bold or energetic.
White
Crisp white sheets have an airy, fresh feeling that can aid sleep. White reflects light and feels open and spacious which contributes to a relaxing vibe. It balances stimulation and has natural, soothing qualities. White also allows you to layer in pops of color through other bedding accessories. Overall, white sheets are a safe, neutral choice that won’t negatively impact your sleep.
Worst Colors for Sleep
On the other hand, here are the colors that may disrupt sleep and are best to avoid:
Red
Red is the most stimulating color so it’s no surprise it tops the list of worst colors for sleep. Red increases heart rate, blood pressure and respiration—the opposite physiological effects you want when trying to sleep. Red signals danger or excitement to the brain, making it hard to unwind at night. Red sheets can keep you feeling energized when you should be feeling sleepy.
Orange
Like red, orange is a bold, energetic color that has an activating effect on the mind and body. It increases brain wave activity which can make it hard to transition into the slower waves needed for deep sleep. Bright orange and warm terra cotta shades are not ideal for promoting a restful sleep environment.
Yellow
Yellow is another warm color linked to stimulation, happiness and positivity. Too much yellow in the bedroom can make it hard to calm the nervous system into sleepy mode. However, softer tones like lemon and buttercream yellow may work if you prefer light, bright spaces.
Pink
Pink elicits feelings of warmth, romance and comfort. However, certain shades of pink like magenta can be too stimulating for sleep. Softer hues like blush can work, but some pinks run the risk of being disruptive. Proceed with caution when choosing pink bed sheets.
Factors That Affect Sheet Color for Sleep
Here are some other factors to keep in mind when selecting the best sheet color for your sleep needs:
Bedroom Color Scheme
Make sure your sheets complement the overall color scheme of the bedroom. They should blend in nicely rather than clash. Coordinate sheets with painted walls, area rugs and other décor for a cohesive look and feel.
Personal Preference
Color preference is subjective so pick shades you are naturally drawn to. Just be mindful of the effect color has on sleep. If you gravitate toward warmer tones, choose soft versions of those colors.
Changing with the Seasons
You may want to switch up your sheets according to the seasons. In the warmer months, opt for breathable cotton in cool colors like icy gray or sky blue. Save the flannel and fleece in richer, darker hues for the colder weather.
Skin Tone
Keep your skin tone in mind when selecting shades as some colors can enhance your complexion better than others. Cool blue-based colors complement warm skin tones, while warm earthy colors look nice with cooler complexions.
Combining Colors
If you want to experiment with bold sheets, try combining them with cool-toned pillowcases or layering multiple textures and patterns in sleep-friendly colors.
Bed Size
Bigger beds can handle bolder colors and patterns, while smaller beds look best with lighter, solid colored sheets. Small spaces feel cozier with neutral or pastel sheets.
Fabric
Along with color, fabric plays a key role in how sheets impact your sleep. Here’s how different fabrics affect temperature regulation, comfort and more:
| Fabric | Characteristics | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable | Good temperature regulation, very comfortable | Wrinkles easily |
| Linen | Lightweight, textured | Durable, gets softer over time | Wrinkles easily, needs ironing |
| Silk | Smooth, luxurious | Hypoallergenic, temperature regulating | Expensive, delicate |
| Flannel | Soft, warm | Cozy for winter | Can overheat, piling |
| Sateen | Silky finish | Luxurious feel | Less breathable |
| Jersey | Stretchy knit | Comfortable, good for adjustable beds | Traps heat |
Cotton and linen sheets are popular choices as they allow airflow to keep you cool and comfortable. Silk, flannel, and jersey provide coziness and insulation during colder weather. Sateen offers an indulgent feel. Mix and match different fabrics to find your ideal bedding material.
Patterns
Along with color and fabric, the pattern or print on your sheets impacts the overall look and feel of your bed. Here are some top options:
Solid
Solid colored sheets (no pattern or print) allow you to layer in textures and accents through duvets, shams, throws, etc. Solids promote a calm, uncluttered look.
Stripes
Subtle stripes add visual interest while still maintaining a fairly neutral base. Thin pinstripes work well and are not too overwhelming.
Checked
A gingham or simple check pattern adds a touch of homey style. Small checks keep the look low-key.
Plaid
Classic plaid or tartan checks bring personality. Keep the palette muted for sleep-friendly versatility.
Floral
Small floral prints in cool-toned color schemes can work well. Avoid large, bold florals as they tend to look too stimulating.
Geometric
Simple geometric shapes like diamonds and dots in restful colors make for nice bedding prints. They add subtle visual appeal.
In general, medium-scale prints and patterns promote relaxation as long as they stick to a sleep-friendly color scheme. Avoid loud graphics or stimulating colors and prints.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the “best” sheet color for sleep comes down to personal preference. However, the consensus among sleep experts is that cool-toned colors in shades of blue, green, gray and purple are ideal for creating a restful sleep environment. Soft pastels and muted darker shades seem to work well. Fabrics like linen, cotton and silk also complement good sleep. Ultimately, avoid jarring patterns or colors like bright reds, oranges and yellows, which can have an adverse effect.
Pay attention to how different sheet colors and patterns make you feel when you’re winding down for bed. Your sheets should tie into the overall tranquility of your sleep space.
Try experimenting with different color palettes and see what helps you fall asleep the fastest and get the most rejuvenating sleep. Finding the right bedding color can make a noticeable difference in your energy and wellbeing.
