5 House Plants That Can Improve Your Sleep

Trouble sleeping? Discover 5 of the best bedroom plants that can help you sleep better, from air-purifying foliage to soothing floral fragrances. Plus, learn proper care for each variety.

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? You’re not alone – millions of Americans struggle with insomnia and other sleep issues. But did you know that certain house plants may actually help you get better rest?

That’s right, just having some leafy greens in your bedroom can create a more relaxing environment for sleeping. Certain plants are known to help purify indoor air, reduce stress and anxiety, and even regulate your sleep cycle.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 of the best bedroom plants for better sleep. Plus, we’ll cover exactly how each plant promotes quality rest and the specific care it needs to thrive indoors.

Let’s get started!

1. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

The snake plant is one of the most popular bedroom plants because it releases oxygen at night while taking in carbon dioxide. This helps purify the air and create a fresher, more breathable environment for sleeping.

And that’s not all – snake plants are also excellent at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. These chemicals are commonly found in household items like detergents, plastics, and even some furniture.

Just place a few snake plants around your bedroom to reap the air-purifying benefits. They’re also easy to care for. Snake plants thrive in practically any light level and only need watering every 2-3 weeks when the soil is completely dry.

2. English Ivy

English ivy is celebrated for its ability to remove airborne fecal particles, mold, and other unhealthy allergens from indoor air. Studies show it improves respiratory health and may even help reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies.

With cleaner, fresher air, you’ll breathe easier during sleep which minimizes disturbances like coughing, wheezing, and snoring. That translates to higher quality rest.

This trailing vine does well in bright, indirect sunlight and prefers slightly dry soil between waterings. Use a humidity tray or mist the leaves occasionally for best growth.

3. Jasmine Plant

Jasmine’s highly fragrant flowers aren’t just beautiful – the scent also functions as a natural sedative. The floral aroma has been shown to decrease anxiety levels and promote better sleep. That’s why many people use jasmine essential oils in aromatherapy too.

If you have a jasmine plant in your bedroom, the gentle floral perfume can make you sleepy while reducing feelings of stress, restlessness, and anxiety that often disrupt sleep.

To ensure bountiful flowering and fragrance, keep jasmine in a sunny window and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

4. Gardenia Plant

Like jasmine, gardenias produce highly fragrant white flowers with a soothing floral scent. The aroma activates portions of the brain that regulate sleep and relaxation for more restful nights.

Plus, gardenia is considered one of the best air purifiers since its leaves absorb harmful compounds like ammonia and benzene while adding oxygen to the air.

For plenty of intoxicating blooms and clean air benefits, grow gardenia in a bright spot with excellent drainage. Don’t let the soil dry out completely and feed monthly with an acid-based fertilizer.

5. Lavender

Is there anything as relaxing as the scent of fresh lavender? This botanical has been used for centuries to calm nerves, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better quality sleep. In fact, recent studies show lavender promotes deeper sleep with increased slow-wave activity.

Simply add a couple lavender plants to your nightstand or bedroom corner. The soothing aroma can help you unwind from the day’s stress so you fall asleep faster and get more restful sleep.

Lavender thrives in a sunny window and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and provide excellent air circulation to prevent rot or mildew.

So there you have it – five fantastic plants to keep in your bedroom for sounder sleep. From air-purifying foliage to relaxing floral fragrances, each plant works in its own unique way to create a better sleeping environment.

Of course, adding plants to your bedroom is just one part of your overall sleep routine. Cultivating healthy sleep habits like avoiding screen time before bed, establishing a calming pre-bed routine, and creating a cool, dark sleep space are also important for quality rest.

But whether you’re plagued by insomnia, sleep restlessly, or just want to optimize your sleep quality, keeping sleep-promoting plants nearby can definitely help. With their air-purifying abilities and calming aromas, these greens nighttime companions are well worth having around.

Sweet dreams!