Health and Fitness

5 Plants to Help You Sleep

By Cheryl Alker

I am sure we have all had trouble sleeping at night at one time or another. We also know, as a result, how unproductive the following day can be. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that insufficient sleep is a public health problem and have spent thousands of dollars and hours trying to figure out the solution.

There are obviously many remedies to help you get those Zzzzz’s we all crave but I thought I would share with you a lovely natural remedy that you may never have considered… Plants!

There are so many benefits to bringing plants into your house including:

• Better air quality
• Less anxiety
• Headache relief
• Boosted mood
• Cold/illness prevention
• Improved brain function
• And yes, improved SLEEP

In fact, NASA recently did an entire study on the ability of plants that have a calming and cleansing effect on the environment. So here are the top 5 that may be the most effective for helping you get the night’s sleep you deserve.

#1 Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera is an excellent indoor plant, not only because it has a host of health benefits and for those of us who seem to struggle to keep plants alive, it is easy to keep! Aloe Vera was listed as one of NASA’s top air-improving plants and has been shown to emit oxygen at night. Increased oxygen supply at night may help with insomnia and improve the overall quality of sleep.  Aloe vera is also known as the “plant of immortality” and can be reproduced easily. Spread this popular medicinal plant all over you house for maximum benefits!  

#2 Lavender Plant

This one may not be a surprise to you but many of us will have just used lavender essential oil under our pillow or on a tissue to aid a peaceful night. But now maybe you will consider growing your own lavender plant. Lavender in all its forms, has been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress, slow heart rate, improve sleep and may even help reduce crying in babies!

#3 Jasmine Plant

Jasmine is an exotic plant that’s smell has been shown to help improve the quality of sleep as well as alertness and productivity the next day. You can even just smell the plant and it may help reduce anxiety and stress.

#4 English Ivy Plant

English Ivy is really easy to grow and it was named the number one best air-purifying plant by NASA. English ivy may be particularly beneficial to those who suffer from asthma or breathing problems at night. Studies have shown that having English ivy in the home helps to reduce airborne mold by up to 94%! Since contaminants in the air are a major trigger of allergies, asthma and other breathing problems, this affordable plant may help to significantly improve the quality of sleep.  

#5 Snake Plant

This is a really popular indoor plant, snake plants are easy to keep alive and are great for interior decorating. Snake plants are believed to improve air quality by filtering the oxygen, therefore, improving the overall atmosphere of the home. Some studies have shown that having a snake plant in the room helps people to avoid eye irritation, respiratory symptoms, headaches and may also improve productivity levels.  

We are often unaware how the quality of the air in our homes can affect, not only our quality of sleep, but also our overall health and wellness. Whilst there is no total conclusive evidence to back this up what would be the harm? Plants look nice, will often smell good, provide a touch of vibrant color and fill corners of rooms and shelves.  The containers such as glass terrariums, pots, even driftwood are so varied and eclectic these days that why would you not enhance your home and hopefully your air quality and sleep at the same time?