8 HOUSE PLANTS THAT WILL REVOLUTIONISE YOUR SLEEP

By Sammie Venn – Writer and Owner of Soul Warriors

8 HOUSE PLANTS THAT WILL REVOLUTIONISE YOUR SLEEP

Sleep has alluded me for years well decades actually. It wasn’t great before parenthood and after trying a myriad of concoctions, sleeping pills and other mystical ways to get some of that allusive REM, I have resorted to new tactics. My research has led me down some wonderful rabbit holes, but natural medicine works best for me both emotionally and physically. When I came across plant magic I decided to delve in deeper. I reviewed several articles from various global institutions including NASA and the UN, who have all examined the benefits of houseplants and how they affect our mental health as well as our localised environment.

NASA’s study in 1989 proved that plants could purify indoor air. The Journal of Physiological Anthropology wrote a study on how the common indoor plant could induce calm, improve mood and reduce both psychological and physiological stress. The modern world we live in has meant that our work and entertainment have become predominantly technological, giving us very little free time to embrace the natural environment.

Our connection to “techno-stress” has meant that we don’t ever really unplug. This is of course one of the biggest contributory factors to sleep behaviour and the mental and physical consequences of not achieving prolonged relaxation. The body and mind cannot heal without it.

Authors of an NHS report state that insomnia is one of the largest public health issues we have; with over a third of the population experiencing lack of sleep. Our mental health and wellbeing is therefore gravely affected. So what can we do naturally to aid a restful night of blissful unconsciousness? We all know that blue light and screen time is bad, as is too much alcohol, tv in the bedroom, poor diet, lack of exercise and a chaotic room. However once we are free of the modern clutter that takes over our minds and homes there are natural methods we can implement. I have put together a list of household plants that can be used to enhance peace and a sense of tranquillity in the space where we sleep.

1. ENGLISH IVY

This is a perfect bedroom companion as it not only cleans indoor air but it can thrive in low light and temperature conditions. An English ivy is a go-to plant if allergies seem to plague your sleep patterns, its leaves are meant to alleviate asthma symptoms. Another study has shown that this plant reduces airborne mould.

2. SNAKE PLANT

“Sansevieria Trifasciata”, commonly known as the Snake Plant, can grow indoors or outside and requires little care to survive. Japanese researchers for the “Food and Agriculture Organization” of the United Nations found that the snake plant is able to absorb multiple hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene, therefore making indoor spaces cleaner.

3. PEACE LILY

Peace lilies, also referred to as “Spathiphyllum varieties”, make wonderful bedside cohorts. An article completed for the “Plants and Environmental Quality Group” discovered that peace lilies, like the snake plant could eliminate toxins in the air. These plants prosper in semi-shade to shade, and release moisture into the air.

4. CHRYSANTHEMUM 

Chrysanthemum is yet another plant extolled by NASA scientists for its air cleaning abilities. The plant is perfect for a bedroom setting because like the other plants mentioned it can live in subdued light conditions.

5. VALERIAN

Valerian is a perennial herb, or shrub and for many years has been used in homeopathic sleep aids and supplements. A study in the “Chemical Senses “ journal discovered that the inhalation of valerian, when the plant is used as an odorant, could help insomnia sufferers. It showed that those who inhaled the plant’s scent slept longer and had a better quality of sleep.

6. CHAMOMILE

“Chamomile” is a well-known for its medicinal properties as the dried flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids. The herb is used to treat various ailments, insomnia being just one of them. It is beneficial in numerous ways; as an aqueous extract, it can help calm nerves, reduce anxiety, treat nightmares and other sleep issues. The herb also is known to help people sleep when prepared as a tea.

7. ALOE VERA

Some plants are better at purifying the air and helping you breathe easier in the evening since they release a lot of oxygen and absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale in our sleep, Aloe Vera is one of these.

8. LAVENDER

Lavender is a popular bedroom plant and is often used to help create a relaxing environment and induce better sleep through essential oil diffusers and sachets tucked under pillows. Its scent also decreases stress levels and promotes serenity.

So if your slumber is suffering then why not get some help from these hardworking houseplants. Not only will they create a softer, more relaxing haven, but they are natures way of helping us to have a more restful sleep.

Do you suffer with your sleep? Is there a house plant you use in your bedroom to help not mentioned here? We’d love to hear if so!

For more health tips why not read: The 7 Principles That Will Transform Your Health