Not just a pretty, plants have many uses around the house – including helping you get better-quality sleep.
WATCH: 5 ways you’re killing your indoor plants
There are a multitude of benefits to keeping plants in your bedroom that extend well beyond a simple decoration. Whether it’s their calming fragrance, their ability to increase moisture in the air, or their toxin-absorbing powers, there are many reasons to invest in a bit more greenery in the bedroom.
If it’s better-quality shut-eye you’re after, looking no further than these indoor plant varities, which will have you sleeping beautifully in no time.
1. Jasmine
Jasmine has been known to improve the quality of sleep through its gentle fragrance, which has been proven to decrease the time taken to fall asleep. Choose a place for your jasmine that gets no more than four hours of direct sunlight, and water once the soil has dried out.
2. Lavender
Similar to jasmine, the National Sleep Foundation, says smelling lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, “potentially putting you in a more relaxed state.” Lavender requires full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Snake plant
A popular indoor plant, the snake plant came in as one the top best air-filtering house plants, according to NASA. The great thing about snake plants is they emit oxygen during the night-time, helping to keep the air in your bedroom clean.
4. Peace Lily
To really get good-quality shut-eye, it’s important to strike the right balance of humidity. If the air in your bedroom is dry, introducing a peace lily to your bedside will increase the humidity by up to five per cent. This also means less dry skin and hair! The best part? Peace lilies are pretty fuss-free and require little watering and light.
5. Aloe Vera
With its ability to purify the air, heal sunburn, reduce dry skin and ease cuts and bites, aloe vera is something of a godsend. Choose a spot that gets lots of light and water generously once every two weeks, once the soil has dried.
