It’s 1:30am here in Virginia but I have a good reason for still being awake. I just got off the phone with George Noory the host of Coast to Coast AM who wanted to ask me a question about wearing red.
I was surprised when the producer of Coast to Coast AM, a late-night radio talk show, called. I couldn't image what they would possibly want to talk with me about. The program covers a variety of topics but mainly talks about the paranormal or conspiracy theories. Two things I know little about.
It turns out that George had read the recent news story, “Study says the woman in red drives the men crazy,” and wanted to know, “Is it true?”
Does Wearing Red Drive Men Crazy?
Since the results came as no surprise to me I confidently said “Yes!” and then shared some of the science behind the psychological effects of the color red.
Basically here’s what happens–
When we see red it sparks the pituitary gland and in turn it sends a signal to the area of the adrenal gland that releases two hormones: epinephrine and norepinephrine each of which produces a chemical change in our body.
Epinephrine increases the heart rate forces the contractions of the heart, which gets blood flowing increases oxygen consumption increases heat production throughout the body that may cause a person to perspire.
Norepinephrine has little effect on metabolic processes or cardiac output, but does cause our blood vessels to constrict, thus increasing blood pressure.
In addition from a psychological standpoint red can:
- Increases enthusiasm
- Encourages action and confidence
- Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety
- Is it any wonder red is associated with love, sensuality, and romance
What fun to talk to George live on-air. If you’d like to hear the re-broadcast of last nights show or learn more about Coast to Coast AM visit their website.
Feature Image Credit: Michael Dam on Unsplash
