The Best Plants for the Bedroom & Your Sleep
the sleep summary
Bringing plants into your bedroom can create a calming environment that promotes better sleep. Certain plants, like lavender and jasmine, help reduce anxiety and stress for a more restful night. Air-purifying plants, such as snake plants and peace lilies, improve air quality, contributing to healthier sleep, and lavender can enhance relaxation when utilised in essential oils or dried sachets.
While plants are recommended in the bedroom because they offer psychological and environmental benefits, you should make sure they’re safe for pets and children, and are allergy friendly.
Bringing plants into your bedroom doesn’t just brighten up the space; it can also help improve your sleep. Plants can transform your bedroom into a calming sanctuary, and some plants even have properties that promote better rest. Whether it’s by improving air quality, reducing stress or simply adding a peaceful vibe to your space, plants are an excellent addition to your sleep environment.
But what makes a great bedroom plant? Let’s explore the wonderful world of sleep-friendly plants and how they can transform your night’s slumber.
should you have plants in your bedroom?
The simple answer is yes. Plants are nature’s air purifiers, and some can work wonders when it comes to sleep. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but they also filter out harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, making your bedroom’s air cleaner.1 It’s been found that some houseplants also help with anxiety and stress, contributing to a calming atmosphere that makes it easier to drift off.
In homes prone to damp, certain plants can even regulate humidity, making your bedroom feel fresher and more comfortable, especially in older homes that may struggle with moisture control.
what plants are good for bedrooms?
Plants are a natural way to bring calmness and tranquillity into your bedroom, helping to create a soothing space where you can relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep.
This aligns with the principles of biophilia, which suggest that humans have an innate connection with nature, finding comfort in its presence. 2 While research into the effects of plants on sleep isn’t fully conclusive, the psychological benefits of having plants in your bedroom – like stress reduction and emotional comfort – are thought to contribute to improved sleep more than any direct impact on air quality or oxygen levels.
Here are some of the best plants for the bedroom to help you get a better night's rest:
Lavender
Lavender is famous for its calming scent, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and lower heart rates.3 The relaxing fragrance of lavender makes it one of the most popular choices for promoting restful sleep. You can place a lavender plant near your bed or incorporate lavender into your night-time routine in other ways, like using lavender essential oils, dried lavender or a lavender mist. Its sweet, floral scent is perfect for creating a serene atmosphere as you wind down for bed.
Snake Plants
The snake plant, also known as “Mother-in-Law's Tongue,” is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s great for bedrooms. Unlike most plants, the snake plant releases oxygen at night while filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This makes it especially beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, helping to create a cleaner, more breathable space. Its tall, slender leaves will give your bedroom a fresh, modern look while subtly working to improve air quality and enhance sleep.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its healing and skincare benefits, but it’s also an excellent air purifier. It works by increasing oxygen levels in your bedroom, which helps create a healthier environment for restful sleep. Aloe vera plants are easy to care for, making them a great plant for bedrooms. Their fleshy, green leaves provide a natural aesthetic that can complement any décor while also improving air quality so you can breathe with ease at night.
English Ivy
English ivy is a lovely, trailing plant that not only looks beautiful but is also highly effective at removing mould and allergens from the air. This can be especially helpful for those with asthma or other breathing issues as cleaner air makes for a more restful night’s sleep. Its cascading vines can add a touch of elegance to your room, whether hung in a basket or placed on a shelf. English ivy is a great option if you want to balance aesthetics with health benefits.
Jasmine
Jasmine's delicate, fragrant flowers release a soothing aroma that’s been shown to reduce anxiety and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.4 Having jasmine in your bedroom can help you feel more relaxed and peaceful, allowing you to drift off more easily. In addition to its sleep-enhancing properties, jasmine adds a touch of elegance and romance to any space with its small white or pink blooms. The gentle, relaxing fragrance also makes it a natural choice for creating a sleep-friendly environment.
what plants help you sleep?
One question we often get asked is “can I sleep with plants in my room?” and the answer is yes. In fact, some plants can even help you sleep.
Chamomile: Often used in bedtime teas, chamomile uses compounds that are designed to relax and make you feel sleepy.
Valerian: Often used by individuals with insomnia, valerian is a strong herbal option that’s known for helping people go to sleep faster, but it’s an acquired taste.
Jasmine: Its scent has been traditionally linked to improved sleep and reduced restlessness. However, this can become overpowering to some sleepers so bear that in mind.
are there specific plants that help reduce anxiety for sleep?
Yes, the passionflower is widely known for calming racing minds, a common symptom of anxiety, and potentially improving your sleep if anxiety is your main blocker. Lavender, chamomile, valerian root and lemon balm are also good options.
air purifying plants for the bedroom
Some plants do more than just look good – they actively clean the air you breathe. Cleaner air means fewer disruptions during the night and deeper, more refreshing sleep. Here are some of the best bedroom plants for air purification and sleep enhancement:
Peace Lily: This elegant plant is known for its ability to filter out airborne toxins and is great for regulating humidity levels.
Spider Plant: Low-maintenance and effective at absorbing harmful particles like carbon monoxide, this plant is perfect for improving bedroom air quality.
Boston Fern: Another moisture-loving plant, the Boston fern helps maintain a balanced humidity level, which can help you feel cooler and more comfortable while you sleep.
how to use lavender for sleep
Lavender is well-known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties, making it a great plant for the bedroom. You can place a lavender plant on your bedside table to enjoy its soothing scent as you wind down in the evening. If you prefer a more subtle approach, adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillowcase can help fill the room with its relaxing fragrance. Another option is to use a lavender-infused sleep spray, which can create a calming atmosphere in seconds. For an even gentler scent, tuck a sachet of dried lavender under your pillow, allowing its soothing aroma to lure you into a peaceful sleep.
optimal placement and number of plants in a bedroom for sleep improvement
How you arrange your plants can have just as much impact as the plants themselves. Here are some simple ways to create a calming, sleep-friendly space with greenery:
Larger plants like peace lilies or Boston ferns can fill empty corners or sit by the window to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Smaller plants, like succulents or lavender, are perfect for your bedside table, giving you a closer connection to their benefits.
Group plants together to create a mini indoor garden, which can help turn your bedroom into a peaceful retreat.
We recommend around 1-3 plants in an average bedroom to feel their full effects.
is it healthy to have plants in your bedroom?
A common concern about keeping plants in the bedroom is whether it’s safe to sleep in a room with them. The truth is that plants release more oxygen than carbon dioxide, especially at night. Snake plants, for example, actually release oxygen while you sleep, making them ideal for your bedroom.
health considerations to keep in mind
While plants can significantly improve your sleep environment, there are a few health considerations to keep in mind:
It's important to regularly check your plants for any signs of pests or mould, as these can quickly spread and affect the air quality in your bedroom.
If you have pets or young children, make sure to choose plants that are safe for them, as some plants, like peace lilies, can be toxic if ingested.
Additionally, if you're prone to allergies, opt for low-allergen plants such as snake plants or aloe vera, which are less likely to trigger any unwanted reactions.
what are the safest bedroom plants for homes with pets or children that aid sleep?
The safest plants for pets and children that’ll benefit your sleep the most are the areca plant, calathea, spider plants, Boston ferns and Parlor palms.
are there any plants that should be avoided in the bedroom for sleep?
Now that we’ve covered which are the best plants for the bedroom, it’s important we touch on which plants to avoid.
Ficus (Weeping Fig): Known for triggering allergies or respiratory issues.
Ferns: If you stay in a humid room, these can become mouldy if overwatered.
Gardenia: Offers a strong fragrance which could disrupt sleep.
Eucalyptus: This scent is better in daytime spaces as it can become over stimulating at night.
Introducing plants into your bedroom is a natural, soothing way to improve your sleep. Whether you choose calming lavender, air-purifying snake plants or soothing jasmine, adding greenery to your space can help create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Experiment with different plants to find what works best for you and let nature guide you towards better rest. For more ideas on improving your sleep quality, read our blog on mastering a morning routine.
