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HEALTH NEWS
HOW COLOR AFFECTS THE BRAIN
Colored light is absorbed by the eyes and then converted into electrical impulses that affect the brain’s hypothalamus gland – a brain structure which regulates temperature, blood pressure, respirations, and other functions, and stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands to secrete hormones that help control the body’s internal environment.
It is believed that colors may differ in the affects the brain’s hypothalamus gland – a brain structure that regulates temperature, blood pressure, respirations, and other functions, and stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands to secrete hormones that help control the body’s internal environment. Colors with short wave lengths, such as blue and green, are thought to produce a calming effect, lowering the blood pressure and pulse and respiratory rate. Blue may be an ideal choice for the bedroom of an individual with dementia. Yellow, orange, and red colors with longer wavelengths – appear to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to an increase in blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.
Scientists also think that colors with long wavelengths, such as orange and red, may increase attention and vigilance, improve memory and heighten perception. Researchers have found that tinted lenses and colored overlays can make reading easier for the dyslexic individual.
It may be useful for you to take note of your reactions to different colors and arrange your environment in ways which may help you benefit from those effects. Examples of this might be an introvert have their bedroom in blue colors as they are calming and avoids uncomfortable levels of stimulation. If you are an extrovert, you may enjoy the stimulating effects of a bedroom with vibrant red tones.
Here is a chart of the physiological and psychological effects of various colors on some people:
REDStimulating, increases blood pressure, pulse, & respiratory rate; energizes, increases attention and vigilance; promotes anxiety; improves memory; promotes interest in food and sex
ORANGEIncreases blood pressure, heart rate, & respiratory rate; increases appetite; reduces fatigue; fosters sociability
YELLOWStimulates memory, awareness, and perception, raises pulse & respiration rates; engenders hope and optimism
GREENSoothing, relaxing, calming; reduces anxiety; fosters feelings of self-control
BLUECalming; increases happiness; boosts confidence and creativity; promotes risk-taking; cooling effect, lowers pulse & respiratory rate; reduces blood pressure
PINKSoothing, tranquilizing; lowers anxiety; reduces aggression & hostility
BLACKRelaxing; lowers blood pressure, respiration rates and pulse rates
PROTECTING THE HIPPOCAMPUS, THE BRAIN’S MEMORY CENTER
The hippocampus is an essential memory region of the brain. With input from other brain regions, this small seahorse-shaped area located within the temporal lobes absorbs information, retains it for short-term use, relates it to other information and helps consolidate it in long-term memory. But the hippocampus is fragile: It is among the first regions of the brain to be affected in dementia. Even minor sleep disturbances can impair its functioning. Knowing how to protect your hippocampus and keep it healthy can preserve your memory.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
It’s not just what you do, but also what you do not do, that helps protect the hippocampus. Here is what to avoid if you want to preserve your memory:
ĺ Do not drink to excess. Consume no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause brain atrophy, disrupt sleep, and cause learning and memory impairments.
ĺ Do not smoke. Smoking increases risk for cardiovascular disease, which negatively affects brain function.
ĺ Avoid toxins. Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and carbon monoxide can have a deleterious effect on the hippocampus.
ĺ Avoid head injury. Check your home hazards that may cause a fall. Wear a helmet when biking and use a seat belt when riding in a car.
PROMOTE HIPPOCAMAL HEALTH
Like many organs, the hippocampus functions less efficiently with age, a healthy lifestyle can help slow or prevent this decline.
ˇ Engage in effortful learning. The hippocampus loves novelty, and thrives on a rich environment full of new experiences and challenging mental activity. The more difficult the effortful the mental work, the greater the formation of new brain-cell networks.
ˇ Eat well. The brain needs a well-balanced, low-fat diet that is high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and includes plenty of whole grains, nuts, legumes, lean meats, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Use healthy olive and canola oils.
ˇ Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, brings oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. It also helps promote the creation of new neurons through a process called neurogenesis, preventing the atrophy of the hippocampus.
ˇ Reduce stress. Whether it originates from external source or from internal tension, stress harms the hippocampus. It degrades brain cell dendrites that receive messages from other cells and decreases neurogenesis, causing the hippocampus to shrink over time. Relieve stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualizing a peaceful scene or progressively relaxing your muscles from head to toe. Spending time with hobbies or people whose company you enjoy.
ˇ Treat mental and physical illnesses. Depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome all have a negative impact on the hippocampus. Seeking treatment for these conditions will help protect your memory.
These articles were from the May, 2009 Submitted by C. Warner, RN, CPN, CRNP-BC, MSN, Instructor of Nursing at St. Luke’s School of Nursing.
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