Struggling with sleep? You’re not alone. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults suffers from inadequate sleep, and many of these individuals turn to medication or sleep aids.
However, there is a more natural solution that can help you improve your sleep quality: houseplants.
Certain plants not only act as natural air purifiers, but they also have soothing properties that can help combat insomnia and promote better sleep.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 plants that can enhance your sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and purify the air in your bedroom.
Why Do Plants Help Improve Sleep?
Before we dive into the specific plants, let’s discuss why they work. Many indoor plants release oxygen at night, which improves air quality.
Others absorb toxins or pollutants, creating a cleaner environment. In addition, some plants have natural calming effects that can help reduce stress and anxiety—two common culprits of insomnia.
By placing certain plants in your bedroom, you create a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere that encourages better rest.
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
How it helps: Lavender is widely known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties. Its fragrant scent has been shown to reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and promote a sense of relaxation. Lavender essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Bonus benefit: Lavender also acts as a natural air purifier by removing certain airborne toxins.
How to use it: Place a potted lavender plant on your nightstand or near your bed, or use lavender essential oils in a diffuser for the best results.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
How it helps: Snake plants are excellent natural air purifiers. They absorb toxins like formaldehyde and benzene and release oxygen at night. By increasing oxygen levels and reducing harmful chemicals, they create a cleaner, healthier environment for sleep.
Bonus benefit: This hardy plant is also extremely low-maintenance and thrives in low light conditions.
How to use it: Place the snake plant near your bed or in the corner of your room to enjoy its air-purifying and sleep-enhancing benefits.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
How it helps: Aloe vera is another plant that improves indoor air quality by releasing oxygen at night. It’s also known for its healing properties and can help reduce stress. Aloe vera has a calming effect, which can aid in relaxation and improve your sleep.
Bonus benefit: In addition to its air-purifying properties, aloe vera is a great natural remedy for skin irritation and burns.
How to use it: Place aloe vera in a sunny spot in your bedroom and enjoy its relaxing benefits as you sleep.
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
How it helps: Chamomile is famous for its calming properties. Its delicate flowers release a mild scent that has been shown to ease stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Drinking chamomile tea before bed is popular, but having a chamomile plant nearby can provide the same calming benefits.
Bonus benefit: Chamomile is an effective natural remedy for digestive issues, which can also contribute to better sleep.
How to use it: Keep a small chamomile plant in your bedroom and enjoy its gentle fragrance. You can also use the dried flowers to make your own tea.
5. Jasmine (Jasminum)
How it helps: Jasmine’s sweet, floral scent has been found to reduce anxiety and promote deeper sleep. Research shows that the fragrance of jasmine can increase the quality of sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Bonus benefit: Jasmine has been shown to improve mood, making it a perfect plant for those who suffer from stress or anxiety.
How to use it: Place a jasmine plant near your bed or use jasmine essential oils to enjoy its calming effects.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
How it helps: Spider plants are another effective air purifier, absorbing toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They also increase oxygen levels, which can promote better sleep quality. The added benefit of a spider plant is that it’s easy to care for and thrives in a variety of conditions.
Bonus benefit: Spider plants are great for removing indoor pollutants and improving overall air quality.
How to use it: Keep a spider plant on your bedside table or shelf to purify the air while you sleep.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
How it helps: English Ivy is known for its ability to absorb mold and reduce airborne toxins. Studies show that English Ivy can reduce the presence of harmful airborne particles, leading to cleaner air and potentially better sleep.
Bonus benefit: This plant is particularly beneficial for people with allergies or asthma, as it helps improve air quality by reducing allergens.
How to use it: Place an English Ivy plant in your bedroom or hang it near a window to purify the air and promote relaxation.
8. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
How it helps: Areca palms are excellent air purifiers and have been shown to release a significant amount of moisture into the air. The added humidity can improve your breathing and help you sleep more soundly, especially if you live in a dry climate.
Bonus benefit: Areca palms also add a tropical touch to your bedroom decor, creating a calming atmosphere.
How to use it: Place an Areca Palm in a bright spot in your bedroom to improve both air quality and sleep quality.
9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
How it helps: Gerbera daisies are known for their ability to filter out toxins like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. The vibrant, colorful flowers also have a cheerful, uplifting effect on mood, which can help reduce stress and promote better sleep.
Bonus benefit: Gerbera daisies are a beautiful and easy way to add color and life to your bedroom.
How to use it: Place a gerbera daisy in a sunny spot near your bed for an uplifting atmosphere and cleaner air.
10. Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
How it helps: Lavender cotton has a soothing, herbal scent that promotes relaxation and stress relief. Its calming properties help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, making it an ideal addition to your bedroom.
Bonus benefit: Lavender cotton is also a great plant for repelling insects, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
How to use it: Place a lavender cotton plant in a sunny area near your window or bedside to enjoy its calming effects.
11. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
How it helps: The bamboo palm is a highly effective air purifier that removes toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. It also increases the moisture levels in the air, which can help you breathe more easily and sleep better.
Bonus benefit: This plant is great for adding a touch of greenery and tropical vibes to your bedroom decor.
How to use it: Keep a bamboo palm in a bright corner of your bedroom for improved air quality and a restful sleep environment.
12. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
How it helps: Peace lilies are among the best air-purifying plants, removing toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. They also have a calming effect and can improve sleep by creating a more peaceful, cleaner environment.
Bonus benefit: Peace lilies are low-maintenance and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners.
How to use it: Place a peace lily on your bedside table or on a shelf near your bed to purify the air and improve sleep quality.
Adding plants to your bedroom isn’t just about beautifying your space. Certain plants can have profound effects on your sleep quality, from purifying the air to promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Try incorporating some of these 12 plants into your bedroom to help improve your sleep, combat insomnia, and create a restful, healthy environment.
Remember, the right plants can be your natural sleep aid, offering both beauty and practical benefits as you rest.
