Plants to Aid Sleep

Nights spent tossing and turning only to be awoken by the dreaded 6am alarm clock after finally dozing off can take its toll, effecting energy levels and mood, which in turn impact on our work and personal lives.

But if you are a finicky sleeper, and catching enough z’s is paramount to a happy and healthy life, how can you ensure that when your head hits the pillow each night that you’re in for a restful slumber? You could try some medicinal aids, maybe some essential oils and if all else fails there is always counting sheep…but what if making one small change to your room could end all your night-time woes.

Research shows that one simple and easy way to ensure a better quality of sleep is to fill your home with plants. Not only do they look great indoors; bringing life and vigour to any living space, they also have brilliant relaxing and purifying benefits, which promote a healthy sleeping pattern. House plants also help with air quality in your home by eradicating pollution, odour and mould meaning that breathing will be a whole lot easier too thanks to your new green house guests. Now all you need to do is choose which plant is right for you and your space, so to help you decide we have put together a list of the best sleep-inducing plants arounds.

Aloe vera

Listed as one of NASA’s top air-improving plants, the fantastic Aloe Vera emits oxygen at night, making for a more restful slumber. Plus, Aloe can eliminate polluting chemicals found in cleaning agents we use around the home, purifying your air in the bedroom and the rest of your house for a cleaner breathing experience. Another plus is that Aloe is one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain and even tolerates ‘neglect’ well and so doesn’t require frequent watering, although it is best to keep it on your bedroom window sill as it does need a lot of direct sunlight.

Jasmine

Add an exotic touch to your boudoir with a Jasmine plant. Offering a gentle, soothing effect on the body and mind Jasmine has been shown to reduce anxiety levels. Not only that, but research also suggests that the positive effects of Jasmine also increase alertness and productivity during the day!

Lavender

It’s an oldie but a goody! Lavender has long been said to help aid sleep and even diminish anxieties, so adding this pretty little plant to your bedroom is a must! Research backs up these claims, with lavender scents shown to slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure and levels of stress. This is also a brilliant option for children and babies’ rooms.

Peace Lily

Another NASA superstar plant, the Peace Lily helps to filter out harmful benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde toxins. The moisture given off by these striking flowers can boost a room’s humidity by up to 5 percent, helping to suppress allergies, and relieve dry noses and throats that can keep you awake at night. The Peace Lily likes the shade and requires watering once a week.

Gerbera

If you prefer your plants with a little more colour then the bright and cheerful Gerbera is the perfect choice and not just because they look good! Gerbera’s release oxygen at night, which will help you breathe easier while you are dozing off. Allergies sufferers will also benefit from this beautiful flower.

Golden Pothos

If caring for a plant is enough to keep you awake itself then this is the one for you. The Golden Pothos will afford you a better quality of sleep but you need not worry too much about nurturing it. All this plant needs is a couple of hours sun each morning and a little water once a week. So pop it near a window and let it do its thing. Word to the wise though, keeps its mildly toxic leaves out of the reach of pets and children.