3 ways houseplants can help you sleep better

Phil Lawlor is a sleep expert from the mattress and bedding specialist Dormeo. Here, he shares his insight into why you should consider adding houseplants to your bedroom, and how they can help you to get a better night's sleep.

3 ways houseplants can help you sleep better

If you struggle to fall asleep at night, or you regularly wake up feeling like you haven't had a proper rest, you might be looking for some new ways to optimize your sleep. Perhaps you've already tried replacing your mattress, buying blackout blinds, and listening to a meditation app, but you're still not getting the high-quality rest that you need. Well, adding some houseplants to your home — and specifically your bedroom — could make all the difference.

There are a number of reasons why incorporating some greenery into your décor can have a positive influence on your sleep.

They help to purify the air

Research has shown that high levels of air pollution can have a detrimental effect on your sleep and even cause health conditions such as sleep apnoea. So, if you haven't been sleeping well lately, it's worth considering whether air quality in your home could be to blame.

Fortunately, a study from NASA discovered that certain varieties of houseplants do a fantastic job of purifying the air in a space by removing harmful toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They will also release more oxygen into the air, increasing the quality even further.

Areca palms, snake plants, money plants, and aloe vera are all brilliant air purifiers that would make a great addition to your sleeping environment.

Being close to nature can help you destress

If you feel stressed a lot of the time and this is affecting how easily you fall asleep, or even causes you to wake up during the night, injecting a bit of nature into your home could help.

Being in nature, or even looking at natural scenes, can have a very positive impact on your wellbeing, according to The University of Minnesota. It can reduce your levels of fear, anger, and stress, while also contributing to your physical health by lowering your blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.

Research conducted in hospitals, offices, and schools has found that simply adding a plant or two to your space can make the world of difference. So, if you would like your bedroom to be a more relaxing space, this could be the perfect fix.

They can help to give you a sense of purpose

Having a sense of purpose can also lead to better quality sleep, with a lower risk of sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome, according to research by Northwestern University. And, if you speak to anyone who's passionate about looking after their houseplants and helping them to thrive, you'll know that having some greenery in your home can give you a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. So, not only will they clean your air and help you to destress, but they'll also give you a goal, as you'll want to keep your plants happy and healthy.

Adding some plants to your home — and especially your bedroom — can do wonders for your sleep quality. So, if you often lie awake at night, or you struggle to get up in the morning, some greenery could be the answer.