Sleep. There are very few things in this world that can rejuvenate the mind and body the way of getting a good night’s rest does. There’s a reason the Sleep Industry has become a billion-dollar business. Tiredness has become the new norm.
With a year that’s become more unpredictable more than ever, more and more people have found themselves tossing and turning every night. Who hasn’t gotten to bed this year so exhausted from the news, from anxiety, or from work? We hit our beds hoping that sleep would come for us, but instead, a reel of anxiety-inducing thoughts plague our mind.
How did a restful night become such a luxury? How have we turned a simple bed and blanket set-up to include spooning robots, cuddle blankets, and a cocktail of hard medicine and oils?
The dream is to dream well. We crave a good night’s sleep. So those who can go to great lengths to achieve space and mindset conducive for sleeping. Gwyneth Paltrow, a doyenne of the wellness world, coined the term ‘clean sleeping.’ She shares that she gets ideally 10 hours of sleep a day. “It goes without saying that poor sleep is terrible from a beauty perspective,” she said.
Sleep scientist Matthew Walker shared in his 2017 book Why We Sleep that “a chronic lack of sleep is one of the biggest public health challenges we face in the 21st century”. Many of our health problems, from obesity to depression is deeply tied to our lack of sleep. A quality sleeping schedule is guaranteed to improve our immune system, weight management, and heart health. These positive effects, in turn, will sharpen our focus and presence of mind.
This is why so many people invest in expensive sleeping aids. You go to the AppStore or Playstore and you’ll find dozens of apps that claim to give you better sleep. By helping you count your hours, track data, and remind you when to sleep. Some apps even calculate the best time you should sleep to go into REM.
Numerous businesses are selling hard medicine for sleep. Others offer vegan options. Still, others sell essential oils. And then, some practice face massages with jade and healing rocks, sleep mists and sprays. We did say a billion-dollar industry.
Now, before you close this tab, and start opening Amazon for sleep products. We are here to tell you that there is a convenient and more natural solution to the pervading sleep problem!
It doesn’t involve popping even more pills or buying quartz eye masks! You can achieve better sleep without much hassle. The natural remedy? PLANTS.
Benefits of Plants For Sleep
The most obvious benefit is that it makes your bedroom even more beautiful. And it is absolutely calming to be in a beautiful space. But plants, as you may already know, are scientifically proven to improve the air quality of a room.
Most plant lovers have heard of the famous NASA research study. The scientist found that certain plants, when exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins in the air, can absorb and change them to oxygen. Plants are proven to reduce CO2 levels as well as the humidity level of a room.
It is also well-documented that trees and indoor plants reduce the background noise from the street. If you live in the city where it gets too loud, try putting plants by the window.
7 Sleep Inducing Plants for Your Bedroom
Lavender
There’s a reason many products are lavender scented. This herb is known for its capability to reduce anxiety levels and induce a good night of sleep. The scent can slow down your heart rate, which, in turn relaxes you and reduces your overall stress levels. If you want to be eased into sleep, this plant should be in your bedroom.
Jasmine
Another plant that can reduce stress and anxiety levels is the exotic smelling Jasmine plant. Studies suggest that the very scent of this plant is so soothing, it has sedative properties to relax your body and mind.
Gardeners say that Jasmine plants are more suited indoors. Place them near a south window and ensure that they stay cool with well-circulated air. Don’t forget to plant them in well-draining soil like bark or peat.
Aloe Vera
Here’s a high functioning plant that requires low-level maintenance. Aloe vera is one of the top herbs known to emit oxygen at night. The ancient Egyptians called this plant the key to immortality. With all its known benefits, it surely deserves the title!
Wake up with a relaxed mind and a deep slumber. You can also prop it by your office table as it is also known to enhance your mental alertness. Snap it open and use the aloe vera ‘juice’ for sunburns on your skin or apply it on your scalp! Yes, you can do that with the aloe.
Snake Plant
We can’t create this list without the most recommended air-purifying plant. To be honest, you should have a snake plant in all your rooms. In fact, if you can only keep one variety of plants, you should stick to this one. For those of you who aren’t plant-lovers but want greens in their homes, the snake plant is your best bet.
Studies have shown that this plant can take in carbon dioxide and then emit oxygen. That translates to better air quality, better sleep.
Valerian
If this plant sounds familiar to you as an ingredient for painkillers and anti-anxiety, you are correct. The valerian plant is a type of herb that gained popularity for its hypnotic effects. A study conducted by Japanese researchers found that the mere scent of the valerian can enhance the relaxation area of our brains.
Valerian root is also used in supplements and medicine to help manage insomnia. As an indoor plant, it gives a calming vanilla fragrance. It’s also great for a bedroom with access to sunlight. Place by the window and let it soak some sun for at least 6 hours daily.
Gerbera Daisy
We will be honest, everything we’ve listed thus far has been pretty low-maintenance. The Gerbera Daisy may require more care, but with its beautiful blooms as a reward, it is well worth it. Like the snake plant and aloe vera, it also releases oxygen into the air.
Gardenias
A study done in 2010 discovered that the scent of the Gardenias has the same relaxing properties of valium. Enjoy the sedative effect of this sweet-smelling flower. You can put it by the side of your bed while sleeping.
