How Plants Can Improve Your Sleep And Health

There are many reasons why having a plant in your bedroom could be beneficial. Plants are known to boost productivity, clean the air, and help us sleep better. According to the principles of feng shui, plants can also attract good fortune and positive energy. They can improve the aesthetics of your sleep space, and their calming effect can reduce stress levels and encourage deep sleep. However, some people believe that plants should not be kept in the bedroom as they release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen while you sleep. But, the amount of carbon dioxide released and oxygen absorbed is minimal and therefore, it is absolutely safe to have plants in your bedroom.

Improved air quality

One of the greatest benefits of keeping plants in the bedroom is their ability to improve indoor air quality. Several plants are well known for their air-purifying abilities, removing harmful toxins from the air we breathe. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants could remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours.

The Areca Palm, for instance, is known for its exceptional air-cleaning properties. It is one of the best plants for removing carbon dioxide from the air. The Peace Lily is another excellent air purifier, capable of filtering out toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It thrives in medium to low light conditions, making it ideal for bedrooms.

Some plants, like the Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, continue to produce oxygen throughout the night, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air while you sleep. Aloe Vera is another plant that releases oxygen at night and has been recognised by NASA for its air-purifying qualities.

In addition to these, certain aromatic plants, such as lavender, can aid in promoting a good night's sleep due to their relaxing scent. The gentle fragrance of lavender has been shown to soothe and reduce anxiety levels, creating a calming atmosphere conducive to sleep.

By incorporating these plants into your bedroom, you can enhance the air quality and create a healthier and more relaxing environment for better sleep.

Better sleep

Plants can help you sleep better by creating a tranquil space. For most people, bedrooms are peaceful, quiet, and relaxing spaces. There is nothing more relaxing than being surrounded by plants in your own urban jungle, especially if you're a plant lover. In general, people find them comforting and calming, which can reduce stress levels and encourage deep sleep.

Research has shown that spending time in nature and being around plants can boost mental health, reduce stress, and help us feel happier. This can help us transition from a waking state to a more relaxed state of consciousness, which improves sleep quality.

Some plants, such as lavender, jasmine, and valerian, are known for their soothing scents, which can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Additionally, certain types of plants, such as snake plants, Aloe Vera, and Peace Lilies, continue to release oxygen throughout the night, improving the air quality in your bedroom.

NASA performed a study on houseplants and found that certain varieties can remove harmful toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia, from the air. This can create a healthier sleeping environment and improve your overall sleep quality.

Some studies have also found that houseplants release negative ions that trigger the release of serotonin, which is known to relieve stress and anxiety. This can further enhance the calming atmosphere in your bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep and improving your overall sleep quality.

In addition to the direct benefits of having plants in your bedroom, they can also improve acoustics by reducing noise pollution. This can create a quieter and more peaceful environment, which is conducive to better sleep.

Enhanced mood and reduced stress

Plants have been shown to have a positive impact on mood and stress levels. Research has found that being around nature improves mood and reduces stress levels. This effect is also seen when people are exposed to pictures of plants. In one study, patients in a hospital waiting room were shown either a real plant, a poster of a plant, or no nature at all. The patients who were exposed to the real plants or the posters reported lower levels of stress.

The presence of plants can trigger positive responses in our brains, similar to the emotions we feel when interacting with a dog or cat. This is known as biophilia, the innate love of living things. The colour green is also considered to be calming, and plants with lush green leaves, high leaf area, and dense canopies are likely to give the biggest boost to your well-being.

In addition to their visual impact, plants can also improve air quality. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants could remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. This can further enhance mood and reduce stress, as a cleaner environment promotes a healthier mental state.

The act of caring for plants can also contribute to improved mood and reduced stress. Taking care of plants can bring overall health and wellness to your life, providing a sense of nurturing and satisfaction. It can be a form of therapeutic activity, offering a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature.

Furthermore, specific types of plants are known for their mood-boosting and stress-relieving properties. For example, the scent of lavender can promote sleep and reduce anxiety levels. Peace lilies are excellent air purifiers, filtering out toxins and thriving in medium to low light conditions, making them well-suited for bedrooms.

By incorporating plants into your bedroom, you can create a tranquil and rejuvenating environment that enhances your mood and reduces stress levels, leading to a peaceful slumber surrounded by the beauty and benefits of nature.

Feng shui

There are conflicting opinions on whether plants are good or bad for the feng shui of a bedroom.

The positives

According to the principles of feng shui, plants can attract good fortune and positive energy into your home. They invite the energy of nature into your bedroom and can be nourishing and healing for your personal energy. Plants can boost productivity, clean the air, and help you sleep better.

The negatives

Recommendations

If you do decide to have a plant in the bedroom, choose one that is appropriate for the space and for you. Ensure it fits the space and that you can commit to taking care of it. Avoid fake plants, as they tend to collect dust and stagnant chi. Instead, opt for plants with soft, round leaves, vines, flowering plants, or succulents, as these have more Yin energy, which is feminine, soft, flowy, and restful. Place the plants away from the bed, using them to soften and block energy.

Humidity boost

Having plants in your bedroom can be a great way to boost humidity, which can bring a lot of health benefits. Firstly, let's understand how plants can increase humidity. Plants constantly pull water from the soil to hydrate themselves. This water travels through the roots, up through the stems, and eventually reaches the leaves. Most of this water then evaporates into the air through pores called stomata, in a process called transpiration. This natural process helps to humidify indoor spaces.

Now, let's look at some specific plants that are great for boosting humidity:

Spider Plant

The spider plant is one of the best choices for increasing indoor humidity. Research from 2015 and a NASA study from the 1980s both support this claim. Spider plants are easy to grow and can remove toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and moist (but not soggy) soil.

Jade Plant

The jade plant is another effective humidity booster. Most of its evapotranspiration occurs in the dark, making it ideal for increasing humidity during the darker months. Place it in a bright spot and adjust watering according to the season—deep and frequent watering in spring and summer, and less frequent watering in fall and winter.

Areca Palm

The areca palm, also known as the butterfly or yellow palm, is a low-maintenance option. It requires lots of sunlight and moist soil, especially during the warmer months. Areca palms can grow up to 6 or 7 feet tall, so be prepared to repot it every couple of years.

English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

English ivy is a fast-growing plant with a high transpiration rate, making it excellent for increasing humidity. It thrives in bright light and slightly dry soil. Prune it regularly to control its growth.

Boston Fern

The Boston fern is a beautiful and lush plant that adds moisture and purifies the air. It prefers indirect sunlight and moist soil. Misting its leaves with water can be beneficial during dry seasons or when using heating.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are tropical evergreen plants that produce white flowers in the summer. They thrive in warm and sunny environments with moist soil. Peace lilies are toxic to cats, so keep them out of reach if you have feline friends.

Golden Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

Golden pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is a hardy plant that can tolerate low light and irregular watering. It prefers brighter spaces and moist soil. Its trailing stems can grow long, making it perfect for hanging planters or high shelves. However, it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so keep it out of their reach.

Bird's Nest Fern

The bird's nest fern is a great choice for bathrooms as it loves the extra moisture provided by showers. It can tolerate low-light spaces, making it ideal for bathrooms without abundant sunlight.

Tillandsia (Air Plant)

Tillandsia, or air plants, are unique as they don't grow in soil. They absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air. They are native to the southern US and thrive in warm temperatures. Place them near a southern or east-facing window and provide them with a good drink of water once a week.

Calathea

Calathea plants have beautiful green foliage but require high humidity to maintain their shape. They do well in bright, indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sunlight as it can bleach their leaves. Allow their soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering.

Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palms are excellent for boosting humidity and enjoy warm, humid environments. They can tolerate medium to low light conditions and prefer moist soil, especially during the summer. Their leaves will have a slight shine when humidity levels are high.

Staghorn Fern

The staghorn fern is another fern variety that loves extra humidity. It prefers a bit more light than the bird's nest fern, so place it in a sunnier spot if possible. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees rather than in soil. You can mount them on wood and hang them on a wall or place them in a pot.

Orchid

Orchids absorb moisture and thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them near cold drafts, direct sunlight, or dry air from heating vents. Orchids require a specific growing medium, such as sphagnum moss, peat moss, or fir bark. Water them twice a week during their growing season and once a week in winter.

English Ivy

English ivy is a trailing plant that thrives in medium to high humidity and bright, indirect light. It prefers slightly dry soil, so allow the top layer to dry out before watering again. English ivy is known for its ability to purify the air and remove mold, making it ideal for humid spaces.

Cast Iron Plant

The cast iron plant is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that craves humid conditions. It can survive in substantial shade and prefers bright, indirect light. Keep its soil evenly moist to keep it happy.

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a decorative plant that resembles bamboo stalks but is not related to the bamboo family. It thrives in warm, humid environments and can be grown in both soil and water. Lucky bamboo grows quickly in these conditions and will need to be repotted annually.

Croton Petra

Croton Petra is a vibrant plant native to Southeast Asia and Southern India. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight (4-6 hours per day) and slightly moist soil. It can grow up to 6 feet tall if given enough space and

Frequently asked questions