They might look beautiful in our garden – but an expert has now revealed how we can reap so many benefits for our sleeping pattern if we bring plants indoors.
Dr. Catherine Hall, UK-based sleep psychologist at Happy Beds, revealed that popping some greenery on your bedside table can boost your sleep.
According to the expert, the presence of plants reduces stress and anxiety, helps clear the mind and relax the body.
“Many studies have shown that having plants in the bedroom can create many sleep-inducing benefits,” she told FEMAIL.
“For example, they help improve the ventilation and humidity in a room, making it easier for a person to breathe at night, and therefore drift off.”
Here, Dr. Katherine reveals which houseplants are best suited for your bedroom—and the benefits they provide.
Snake Factory
A sleep expert revealed that the ‘snake plant’ can be a perfect addition to a bedside table because it is good for ‘purifying the air’.
‘One of the great things about plants is that they naturally emit oxygen, which can help purify the air and lead to a better, healthier night’s sleep,’ said Dr Catherine.
Get a snake plant or two for the best air purification. These plants look elegant on a bedside table and remove harmful chemicals from the air, helping breathing and ensuring a sound sleep until morning.
Care tip: These plants prefer sunlight but can survive in shadier locations, making them a versatile choice for the bedroom.
They do not need excessive watering. Water the snake plant every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
lavender plant
Dr. Katherine explained that lavender can be useful as a comfort aid, providing a calming, long-lasting fragrance.
Sleep expert Dr. Katherine revealed: “Lavender has long been recognized as an aid to rest, with natural oils and pillow sprays commonly using this calming fragrance to promote sleep.”
But why not go a step further and opt for a lavender plant in your bedroom?
You get multiple benefits in one – a beautiful botanical and a calming, long-lasting scent that promotes relaxation from the moment you set foot in your bedroom.
“Put it next to your bed to feel the most benefit as you drift off to sleep.”
Care advice: lavender plants like warmer, sunnier spots, so make sure your plant is near a window where it can get plenty of sun; Ideally, you need at least eight hours of sun per day to thrive.
aloe vera;
Dr. Katherine explained that there are other plants that can help improve bedroom air quality — including aloe vera.
Dr. Catherine explained that there are other plants that can help improve bedroom air quality.
She said, “Another easy-to-care-for plant that works wonders for air quality—which means it’s a great option in your bedroom—is aloe vera.”
Aloe vera plants have been traditionally used in medicine, and they produce a lot of oxygen, so they will help improve air purity and quality in any room they are in.
“Plus, the fleshy, fan-like leaves make it a unique and interesting plant that will make an instant impression in your space.”
Care adviceAloe vera plants do not need a lot of water because they are succulents that keep water in their leaves.
“During the spring and summer, you can water it every two to three weeks, and it will need less water during the winter.”
spider plant
While many people may be put off by the spider plant’s name, Dr. Katherine revealed that it may be the perfect succulent in the bedroom.
‘Spider plants are very easy to care for because they only need occasional watering and they can survive in indirect sunlight,’ said Dr. Catherine.
“They’re also great-looking plants because they have long leaves that bob and flow over the edge of the pot, which means they look especially great in hanging pots.”
Care tip: These plants are another great low maintenance option.
“They don’t like direct sunlight, so choose a location with medium light and only water them when the top two inches of the soil feels dry.”
Chinese evergreen
According to the psychologist, the Chinese evergreen is “low maintenance” and “increases oxygen levels in a space.”
“If you’re looking for a leafy green plant with extra interest, the Chinese evergreen plant is your answer,” said the psychologist.
This plant has beautiful patterned leaves, which makes it a great way to add a splash of color and style to your bedroom.
It’s low maintenance – it can survive in low sunlight, which makes it ideal if your bedroom doesn’t receive a lot of natural light.
Chinese evergreens also help increase oxygen levels in your space, which keeps the air fresh and helps promote a healthier night’s sleep.
Care adviceChinese evergreen plants don’t need a lot of water to survive, so avoid over-watering.
“Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch, then allow it to dry completely again before re-watering.”
Peace lily
Meanwhile, the expert also advised placing the peace flower in the bedroom, describing it as a “statement” plant for the space.
“These plants help filter out harmful toxins while keeping the humidity in your room at a good level, which is an ideal atmosphere for sleep,” said the expert.
“They can grow to a relatively large size and feature pretty white flowers, which makes them attractive plants to put in a floor-standing pot or basket to make a statement in your space.”
Care tip: Peace lilies can be placed in most locations throughout the bedroom, although they prefer indirect light, they can also live in varying light levels.
“You should water sparingly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.”
Jasmine plant
Dr. Catherine explained that the jasmine plant produces “beautiful, sweet aromas that can help reduce stress and anxiety.”
‘This fragrant cucumber can help promote wellness,’ said Dr. Catherine.
The jasmine plant produces a sweet, sweet scent that can help reduce stress and anxiety, and is ideal for helping you sleep soundly.
It is also an incredibly beautiful plant, with delicate green leaves and attractive white flowers.
“It will match different decor styles, giving your bedroom a chic, elegant, and sophisticated look.”
Care tip: Jasmine plants like the sun, so closer to a window is best.
“Watch your jasmine plant to see when it blooms, because it will need more water than usual.”
