Your sleeping space should be a tranquil haven, a place to unwind and recharge. One of the easiest and most visually soothing ways to enhance this calm atmosphere is by introducing a bit of greenery. That’s right, some plants are known to improve your sleep simply from their presence.
Beyond adding natural beauty to your room, certain plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and support a more restful night’s sleep. In this guide, you’ll discover the top plants for sleep, whether you're after a calming scent, a splash of green, or a low-effort way to purify the air. From the sweet aroma of jasmine to the toxin-filtering power of the snake plant, there’s a perfect plant to suit every sleep style.
The best plants for sleep, ranked
Bringing plants into your bedroom isn’t just a design choice, it’s a simple, natural way to create a more restful, refreshing environment. From the air-cleansing snake plant to the calming fragrance of lavender or the striking presence of a rubber plant, there’s a green companion to match every taste and purpose.
The most conclusive study on plants and their ability to purify the air was conducted by NASA, which was published in 1989. It found that some plants do indeed have air purifying abilities, which can be useful in the bedroom.
Much debate has taken place since this study, including many of the plants we'll cover below.
We spoke to Dr Deborah Lee, a sleep expert from Dr Fox, who says plants in the bedroom have many positives:
“Plants are great for boosting your mood. Many have been proven to reduce stress and even aid respiratory issues. For relatively low-effort, they can really help aid a good night’s sleep.”
Even in the colder months, hardy varieties like succulents and jade plants thrive with minimal care, helping your space stay peaceful and welcoming all year long. So, here are our top picks for the best plants for enhancing sleep quality
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its air-purifying properties. It releases oxygen at night and requires minimal care. Place it on a sunny windowsill and water it every two weeks.
2. Lavender
Lavender's calming scent has been shown to lower heart rates and blood pressure, aiding in relaxation and sleep. For some, lavender is one of those plants that puts you to sleep instantly. Keep it in a sunny spot and water it regularly.
3. Jasmine
Jasmine's sweet fragrance can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, leading to improved sleep quality. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering.
4. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
This plant is an excellent air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. This makes it one of the best plants for bedroom air quality. It releases oxygen at night and requires minimal maintenance.
5. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are known for their ability to filter out harmful chemicals and increase humidity, which can ease breathing and promote better sleep. They prefer indirect light and regular watering.
6. Spider Plant
Spider plants are effective at removing toxins from the air and are easy to care for. They thrive in various light conditions and require occasional watering.
7. Areca Palm
This tropical plant acts as a natural humidifier and air purifier, making it ideal for improving indoor air quality and promoting restful sleep. It prefers indirect light and regular watering.
8. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in low-light conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for the bedroom. It also helps purify the air by removing toxins.
9. Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep. It requires a sunny spot and regular watering.
10. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is an effective air purifier and is easy to care for, making it a great addition to the bedroom. It thrives in low-light conditions and requires occasional watering.
More Sleep Guidance and Tips
To support your newfound bedroom hygiene tips, you'll need more than these sleep-boosting plants. To get the best possible sleep, make sure you have the right mattress and bed for the job, which you can find here at Bed Factory Direct.
For more help with sleeping routines, choosing the right bed frame, and more, stick to our blog.