They may look nice in our garden, but an expert has now revealed how we can reap many benefits for our sleeping patterns when we bring plants indoors.
Dr. Katherine Hall, the sleep psychologist at Happy Beds in the UK, revealed that some greenery on your bedside table can boost your sleep.
According to the expert, the presence of plants reduces stress and anxiety and helps to clear the mind and relax the body.
She told FEMAIL: ‘Many studies have shown that the presence of plants in a bedroom can have several sleep-inducing benefits.
“For example, they help improve a room’s ventilation and humidity, which helps a person breathe easier at night and, as a result, fall asleep.”
Here, Dr. Katherine revealed which houseplants are best suited for your bedroom – and the benefits they offer.
SNAKE PLANT
The sleep expert revealed that a ‘snake plant’ could be the perfect addition to a bedside table as it is good for ‘air purification’
Dr. Katherine said, “One of the wonderful things about plants is that they naturally release oxygen, which can help clear your air and lead to a better, healthier night’s sleep.
‘Purchase a few snake plants for the best air purification. These plants look stylish on a bedside table and remove harmful chemicals from the air, help with breathing and ensure that you sleep well until morning.’
Care tip: ‘These plants prefer sunlight but can survive in shadier areas, making them a versatile bedroom choice.
They don’t need much water. Water a snake plant every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.’
LAVENDER PLANT
Dr. Katherine explained that lavender can be useful as an aid to rest and provides a long-lasting calming scent
Sleep expert Dr Katherine revealed: ‘Lavender has long been recognized as an aid to calmness, with natural oils and pillow sprays often using this soothing scent to promote sleep.’
‘But why not take it a step further and opt for a lavender plant in your bedroom?
“You get multiple benefits in one – a beautiful plant and a long-lasting, calming scent that promotes relaxation from the moment you set foot in your bedroom.”
“Place it next to your bed to feel the maximum benefit as you drift off to sleep.”
Care tip: ‘Lavender plants like warmer, bright spots, so make sure your plant is close to a window where it can get plenty of sunlight; ideally it needs at least eight hours of sun a day to thrive.’
ALOE VERA SUCCUENT
Dr. Katherine explained that there are other plants that can help improve air quality in the bedroom, including aloe vera
Dr. Katherine explained that there are other plants that can help improve bedroom air quality.
She said, “Another easy-care plant that does wonders for air quality — meaning it’s a good choice in your bedroom — is aloe vera.”
‘Traditionally used for medicine, aloe vera plants produce a lot of oxygen, so they help improve air purity and quality in whatever room they are in.
“Plus, the fan-like, fleshy leaves make for a unique, interesting-looking plant that will make an instant impact in your space.”
Care tip: ‘Aloe vera plants don’t need a lot of water because, like succulents, they retain water in their leaves.
“During the spring and summer months you can water them every 2-3 weeks and they need even less water in the winter.”
SPIDER PLANT
While many people may feel put off by the name of the spider plant, Dr. Katherine that it could be the perfect succulent for a bedroom.
Dr. Katherine said, ‘Spider plants are super easy to care for because they only need occasional watering and can survive in indirect sunlight.
“It’s also a beautiful plant with long leaves that fan out and fan out over the rim of the pot, making them particularly beautiful in hanging pots.”
Care tip: ‘These plants are also a great low-maintenance option.
“They don’t like direct sunlight, so choose a location with medium light and don’t water them until the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch.”
CHINESE EVERGREEN
According to psychologist, Chinese evergreen is ‘low maintenance’ and ‘increases oxygen levels in space’
“If you’re looking for a leafy green plant with added interest, the Chinese evergreen is your answer,” claimed the psychologist.
‘This plant has beautiful, patterned leaves, making it a great way to add color and style to your bedroom.
“It’s low maintenance — it can survive in low sunlight, making it ideal if your bedroom doesn’t get a lot of natural light.”
“Chinese evergreen also helps to increase oxygen levels in your space, keep the air fresh and promote a healthier night’s sleep.”
Care tip: ‘Chinese evergreens don’t need too much water to survive, so avoid overwatering.
“Don’t water the plant until the soil feels dry to the touch, then let it dry out completely before watering again.”
LILY OF PEACE
Meanwhile, the expert also recommended placing a Peace Lily in the bedroom, calling it 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 sleeping atmosphere,” said the expert.
“They can grow relatively tall and have lovely white blooms, making them attractive plants to place in a standing pot or basket to make a statement in your space.”
Care tip: ‘Peace lilies can be placed in most places in the bedroom because while they prefer indirect light, they can also survive in varying light levels.
“You should water moderately so the soil feels moist but not soggy.”
JASMINE PLANT
Dr. Katherine explained that a jasmine plant produces “delicious, sweet scents that can help reduce stress and anxiety”
Dr. Katherine said, “This scented option can help promote well-being.
‘The jasmine plant produces a lovely, sweet scent that can help reduce stress and anxiety, ideal for helping you fall asleep.
‘It is also a very beautiful plant, with fine green leaves and beautiful white flowers.
“It matches different interior styles and gives your bedroom a stylish, chic and sophisticated atmosphere.”
Care tip: ‘Jasmine plants love the sun, so closer to a window is better.
“Keep an eye on your jasmine plant to see when it blooms, as it needs more water than usual.”