Adding plants to your bedroom doesn’t just enhance your interior with a natural touch. Certain plants are believed to offer health benefits, such as purifying the air and reducing stress. But what does the science say, and which plants do we recommend for your bedroom? Find out in this article!

How plants can affect your bedroom

There’s a lot of buzz around plants being a magical addition to your bedroom, with claims that they can improve air quality, enhance sleep, and even reduce stress. While plants are certainly not harmful—and their psychological benefits shouldn’t be overlooked—we’ve delved into the most significant claims to see what’s really true.

  1. Plants purify the air in your bedroom

In 1989, NASA found that indoor plants can have air-purifying effects. However, to truly benefit from these properties, you’d need hundreds of bedroom plants… which might not be the most conducive to a good night’s sleep.

  1. Plants optimize humidity levels

Plants can influence the humidity in your room, either by increasing or decreasing it:

  • Increase: Plants release moisture through their leaves (transpiration), which can help raise humidity levels, especially in dry environments.
  • Decrease: In very humid conditions, plants can absorb moisture from the air to maintain their balance, thus lowering the humidity.

The impact of a few plants is usually minimal. For a noticeable change, you’d need a lot of plants, or it might be better to use a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on your situation. If you want better air quality, research suggests that it would be more effective to open a window.

  1. Plants reduce stress and improve sleep quality

A 2022 systematic review found that indoor plants have both physical and cognitive relaxing effects. While the review covered a limited number of studies, it did show that the presence of plants can even lower blood pressure.

Other research indicates that working with indoor plants is far more calming than working at a computer. Participants experienced less stress, and once again, the blood pressure-lowering effects of plants were observed.

The scent of certain plants can also positively impact sleep. We’ll discuss this further below.

The best plants to improve your sleep

Science shows that having a few plants in your bedroom may not significantly impact air quality, but they can help reduce stress and add a soothing atmosphere to the space. But which plants are the best choices?

Air-purifying plants for the bedroom

  • Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata): Known for producing oxygen at night, making it perfect for the bedroom. Easy to care for.
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Famous for its ability to filter toxins from the air.
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Ideal for beginners and effective at removing harmful substances from the air.
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix): Thrives in low-light conditions, making it an ideal bedroom plant. Extracts from this plant have been shown to positively affect respiratory issues like asthma.
  • Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): A popular, low-maintenance plant with air-purifying properties. Great for a spot in the bedroom with indirect light.

Stress-reducing plants

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Renowned for its calming scent, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. Studies show that lavender can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
  • Jasmine (Jasminum): Jasmine plants emit a soothing fragrance that can reduce stress and anxiety. Small-scale research from 2022 indicated that jasmine scent could lead to better sleep and reduced anxiety.
  • Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): The fragrance of gardenia flowers (also known as Cape jasmine) promotes relaxation before sleep. However, this plant requires a bit more care.

These are just a few examples of plants that can contribute to better sleep. Always consider which plants best suit your specific environment and bedroom conditions.

Tips for placing plants in your bedroom

When placing plants in your bedroom, consider the following:

  • Light requirements: Choose plants that match the lighting conditions in your bedroom, whether it’s bright light, shade, or indirect light.
  • Space: Place larger plants in corners or next to the bed; smaller plants can go on windowsills or nightstands.
  • Safety: Do you have pets? Opt for pet-friendly plants or place them on higher surfaces where cats and dogs can’t reach.

With these tips, you can create an ideal environment for both your plants and your sleep.

Important to remember: Good sleep starts with your mattress!

While plants can certainly contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, factors like a good mattress and pillow are far more effective in improving your sleep. A comfortable bed is the foundation for a good night’s rest. Try our Stellar mattress and experience how adjustable support can enhance your health!