Crisp white cotton sheets are a classic. After all, white bedding goes with literally everything while providing a blank canvas for decorative pillows and blankets.
62% of us say we don't sleep as well as we'd like – could our bedding be to blame? Sleep experts argue that fresh white bedding could negatively impact the quality of our slumber by reducing our melatonin levels. So what's the best bedding color to go for?
Sleep expert's white bedding tip
'Color matters,' asserts Sleep Expert, Dorothy Chambers from SleepJunkie. 'The sheet color choices for your bedroom may seem like only a cosmetic preference, but it can really influence how well you sleep.
'Stay away from whites and blues as it’s thought these colors might affect melatonin levels,' Dorothy warns. Melatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland in response to darkness, and it governs our circadian rhythms (our 24-hour body clock).
So it makes sense that bright white and the color of the sky would conflict with this sleepy hormone that is produced in the evening. Dorothy Chambers argues that shades in the yellow, orange, red and black families are best.
Although, we'd suggest picking whatever color bedding feels the most like a big hug – perhaps a sumptuous pink or dark navy, like this luxurious set from La Redoute. 'Darker hues such as inky blues, earth tones, or deep greens can give a very cozy effect and can help you feel cocooned by your bedding,' comments Founder & Creative Director of Bedfolk, Jo James.
James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding and expert in bedding cites the largest global color study that saw 29,596 people take part. This research found that blue and green hues have the most relaxing and calming effect on the brain.
Climbing into a forest green bed does sound pretty dreamy. Dunelm's pure cotton duvet in peacock looks like a good option.
Whatever you go for, think not only about how the color will look but how it might affect you as you drift off. If you're serious about improving your sleep quality this year, investing in the best mattress for your sleep style is essential.
Will you be steering clear of white bedsheets?
-
The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper is a dreamy combo of cushion and supportOur contributing editor reviews the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper for two weeks in her home
-
What is the happiest color for a small bedroom? Here's what experts recommend for a dopamine boostWhat is the happiest color for a small bedroom? Paint experts from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams spill
-
How to make a small bedroom cozy — designers reveal their non-negotiable rulesOur edit of how to make a small bedroom cozy features designer-backed tips and items to help achieve the look
-
Out of 70+ options, these Urban Outfitters duvet covers are the best for comfort and styleShop these Urban Outfitters duvet covers as rated and reviewed by real customers. Includes twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes in a variety of colors and materials.
-
These dreamy Dormify bedding buys will make your dorm room cozy and cuteFrom comforters to sheets, we've picked nine Dormify bedding buys that will make your new room feel comfy and inviting...
-
Out of 120 items in H&M's dorm section, these 9 caught my eye — and they're on saleGet ready for next semester with the smartest fall finds from the H&M dorm section
-
6 ways to stay warm in your dorm room when it's freezing outsideFeeling the chill this semester? See our top ways to stay warm in your dorm room without pissing off your roommate or RA including bedding ideas.
-
The Urban Outfitters bedding sale makes me want to cancel my Friday night plansYou'll find everything in the Urban Outfitter's bedding sale including pillows, shams, buttery blankets, and cozy comforters
