10 Bedroom Plants to Improve Your Sleep

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

A 2015 study found that participants who used lavender essential oil before bed experienced improved sleep quality compared to the control group. If you choose to keep a lavender plant in your bedroom, be sure to prune it to shape each spring after new leaves appear. Lavender’s sweet fragrance is another good reason to consider keeping a pot of the purple herb in your bedroom.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias, also referred to as cape jasmine, are a strongly aromatic evergreen shrub with properties known to help improve the quality of sleep. A 2010 study showed that crocetin, a compound in gardenias, helped reduce the amount of “wakening episodes” experienced by sleepers.

When watering gardenias, use drip irrigation to avoid leaf spots. If you are a new gardener, consider trying gardenia essential oils, as the plant requires high maintenance.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

One of the most popular indoor plants, the areca palm features multiple stems that somewhat resemble bamboo and has a knack for purifying the air. Researchers at Pukyong National University found that the areca palm, among other plants, helped reduce C02 concentrations in the surrounding environment. As anyone with springtime allergies can attest, clean air and good sleep go hand in hand. Keep your areca palm in a room with high humidity for best results.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, or as it is menacingly referred to, viper’s bowstring hemp, is among a group of plants known for their remarkable ability to remove indoor air pollutants. In a famous NASA study, scientists discovered that snake plants were adept at turning toxicants into clean air.

To ensure the well-being of your snake plant, water regularly throughout the growing season and reduce from the fall through late winter. Disregard the threatening name and consider keeping a low-maintenance snake plant by your bedside.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Researchers have found that English ivy extracts correlated with an “improvement of respiratory functions” in children with asthma. Consider keeping an English ivy plant in a pot on a window sill or above a bedroom window in a hanging basket. English ivy is easily propagated by stem cuttings in spring and early summer, making for a thoughtful gift for friends.

Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

A native to the Southeastern United States, the purple passionflower may have anxiety-reducing effects that could be beneficial in establishing good sleeping patterns. A clinical trial found that extract from the flower, along with oxazepam, helped participants manage their anxiety. Their intricate flower structure features a stunning crown of purple filaments. Purple passionflowers also produce an edible, egg-shaped fruit called maypops.

Garden Heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis)

In a study published in Chemical Senses, researchers linked the inhalation of garden heliotrope extract to the “enhancement of sleep.” Extracts from the plant are often used in herbal teas and perfumes. The garden heliotrope can tolerate some shade, but performs best when provided with full sunlight.

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

An herb of many uses, chamomile has been applied for a variety of ailments ranging from muscle spasms and ulcers to inflammation and insomnia. One study discusses the sedative effects of chamomile extract whether consumed through ingestion as a tea or inhaled via aromatherapy.

Leave a pot of chamomile growing on the bedroom windowsill for the added benefit of its sweet, apple-like scent. To make your own chamomile tea, remove flower heads and allow them to dry.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A native of the Solomon Islands, golden pothos has shown to be an effective remover of air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzyne, among others, thus making it an ideal plant for improving sleeping conditions. Plant this climbing ivy in a ceramic pot or hanging basket near windows with partial sunlight.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies aren’t just impressive to look at, they can purify the air in your bedroom, too. In a large study conducted by researchers at NASA, these perennial evergreens were observed removing several varieties of toxicants from enclosed environments.

Peace lilies prefer bright, filtered light, so place in front of a south-facing window if possible. Be sure to plant peace lilies in large pots for proper root growth.