10 Plants to Help You Drift Off to Dreamland

We are all about bringing the peace, calm and serenity of nature into our homes, aren’t we?

If you are looking for a natural way to soothe away the day’s stresses and get better sleep, it could be helpful to add certain plants to your bedroom. Plants add more than style and warmth to a room; there’s significant data that shows they are good for mental and physical health as well. That includes getting a better night’s sleep. 

When we are surrounded by plants, we can transition from awake to relaxation to sleep more easily, and there are some studies that say certain indoor plants are associated with an increase in positive emotions and a reduction in stress or negative feelings, which also can help us fall asleep faster. 

There are some plants that are quite easy to grow in the bedroom and some even release calming scents that make it easier to wind down. Many of them are low maintenance, tolerate low light levels and do not need much watering or other care.

Here are 10 plants that are known to release calming fragrances and oxygen, which helps purify the air in your bedroom and improve breathing. 

• Aglaonema: Does not need much light, and only needs water when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
• Snake plant: This one also can do well in low light, and since it is a succulent, it only needs a little water every week or so.
• Money Tree: The story goes that this little tree brings good luck. What’s luckier than a good night’s sleep? It is minimal maintenance, only needs medium light, and a little water every two weeks or so.
• Valerian: Studies show that inhaling this plant’s fragrance before bed can help you fall asleep. Keep one of these pots by your bedside table and breathe in the scent all night for a restful sleep. The plant does need direct sunlight, and its soil needs to be kept moist. 
• Lavender: This plant has long been considered as beneficial for relaxation. A little sachet of lavender under the pillow stimulates a relaxation response, but you could even go straight to the source with a live plant that will fill the room with that pleasant, calming aroma. It does need bright light, but its lovely fragrance is very soothing, and it only needs water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The sleep is built into its name! It is very hardy, so even a room with extremely low light will be fine for ZZ. You only need to water it every few weeks.
• Jasmine: With its sweet, pleasant fragrance, it is perfect for a bedroom. It releases a calming scent that can help promote relaxation at night. That’s why it’s used so frequently as an essential oil and in lotions. Some studies have shown that inhaling the scent of jasmine while falling asleep can help you sleep more peacefully and wake feeling less anxious.
• Chamomile: This herb is popular for teas and essential oils that are known for their relaxation properties. The herb itself is an excellent choice for your bedroom. Its fragrance induces sleep, and you can make tea out of the blooms.
• Rosemary: We know how fragrant this is in our cooking. It is also great for promoting calm and sleep. Place a rosemary plant on your bedside table and breathe deeply to doze off.
• Gardenias: As with lavender and jasmine, gardenias are known for their beautiful fragrance. Its white blooms against glossy, green leaves emit a fresh, sweet fragrance that helps you drift off to sleep. It prefers indirect sunlight and does not need much water, so it is perfect for beginning gardeners. 

There are other plants that help support overall emotional or physical health. 

• Aloe: It is known as an air purifier, which supports good sleep, and has some medicinal value as a salve for minor burns. 
• English ivy: If you have breathing issues, a pot of English ivy can help. Research has shown that if you are asthmatic, this plant can help improve your breathing, and it is also a natural air purifier. 
• Peace lily: They are a beautiful addition to your bedroom, but they also produce extra humidity, which reduces allergens. That can certainly help you breathe better, and sleep better. 

Indoor plants go a long way to help reduce mental stress, and research proves that being close to plants is beneficial to overall health, including better sleep.

Stress is one of the main culprits to keep you from getting your z’s — indoor plants are one way to relax, ease the stress of the day, and release those feelings of anxiety that get in the way of the Sandman’s visit to your bedside.