Houseplants can actually help you to sleep better. Having plants in your environment means your air is cleaner and they help to reduce anxiety and stress. Plants absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale while sleeping and transform it into oxygen. They absorb the VOCs in your home and help to improve your indoor air quality. Some plants are just better at it than others and we’ve listed those here for you. Another way plants help you sleep is by providing aromatherapy scents that send you off soundly. Florally impaired? Not a problem, we’ve got some plants that thrive on neglect.
Aloe Vera
This great plant pal is excellent at absorbing formaldehyde and benzene, two very common VOCs found in every home. These plants are easy to care for, although they do need a sunny spot. If you have minor cuts or burns, just break the tip off a leaf and rub the jelly onto the affected area. It’s especially effective on burns.
Areca Palms
These tropical palms are great for removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. They thrive on low light so are perfect for rooms that don’t get direct sunlight. They are excellent humidifiers and can alleviate the symptoms of allergies and respiratory ailments exacerbated by dry air.
English Ivy
This is a tough little plant that works well for people who struggle to keep house plants alive. One study discovered that English Ivy reduces airborne mold and feces while this study concluded that it helps alleviate asthma symptoms. The drawback here is that it is toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep out of reach of small children and pets.
Snake Plants
A NASA clean air study found snake plants (also called Mother-in-law’s Tongue) are excellent at removing common household VOCs from the air like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene. This is a great plant for those who find keeping plants alive challenging. This plant thrives on low light and neglect.
Golden Pothos
Another great plant for those with a history of houseplant homicide, this is a beautiful low-maintenance plant that will just keep giving. Particularly good at purifying air, these plants remove CO2 and formaldehyde so effectively, they made the NASA clean air study list of top purifiers.
Gardenia
One way plants help to calm you before bed is through scent. Gardenia have a heavenly scent that reduces stress and helps you sleep better. One study found that gardenia offered a natural alternative to sleeping pills while another study found you are less likely to wake up in the night with Gardenia in your bedroom.
Lavender
Of all the bedroom plants, lavender is the head honcho of hibernation. Study after study has shown that lavender helps to calm you down, helps you experience a deeper sleep and reduces stress so you feel more energetic in the morning.