CAN PLANTS REALLY HELP YOU SLEEP?!
Have you ever taken time to think about how clean your air is?
Did you know the air quality in your bedroom can genuinely affect how well you sleep?!
To level with you, neither did we! Pets and smoking are an obvious cause but your dead skin cells (yes, really) and dust particles in the air from even the most ‘Mrs Hinched’ homes can contribute to a build up of toxins in the air. With plants acting in the natural world like a giant air filter it seems logical that sleep gurus are growing them in their bedrooms with the claim that they help put an end to sleepless nights. How? A build up of toxins in the air inside our homes is well renowned to have a negative affect on our breathing. Higher oxygen levels, deeper breaths and even sleep-inducing relaxing scents all culminate in plants being our next best (sleep) friend.
So, strap in and get ready to dust off those green fingers because we’ve rounded up the top 5 plants to make space on your bedside table for…
LAVENDER:
The absolute sleep O-G. There’s a reason so many sleep-inducing lotions and potions contain this extract, namely because it is so dang relaxing. It’s been used in aromatherapy for centuries as a natural sleep aid and it’s easy to see why. The perfumed flowers lower blood pressure, slowing down racing heart rates and helps to combat anxiety – all things that are absolutely fantastic when wanting to promote a deep restorative slumber!
GARDENIA:
A scent that’s often included in high end fragrances and scented candles, this plant is a favourite amongst perfumers. Studies have shown that the natural scent of Gardenia reduced the night wakings and overall sleep quality of 21 healthy adults over a two-week period.
SANSEVIEIRA
Snakes might not be the first thing your mind jumps to when you think of sleep and relaxation – but ironically, the Snake plant could be your ideal bedtime companion. Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (we’ll let this one slide) this elegant plant with lush, glossy leaves emits oxygen through the night, while taking in carbon dioxide. It also filters nasty common household toxins, like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene, from the air leading to actively improving the quality of the air around you. Mind. Blown.
ALOE VERA
Last but by no means least is widely acclaimed nature's miracle healing plants. All hail Aloe! Aloe was named by NASA (yep, the space experts) as one of the top air-purifying plants – working much like Sansevieria to emit oxygen during the night. The best thing about this natural super filter?! It’s super low maintenance which is ideal for all those sleep-deprived types with ultra-busy lives or self-confessed plant killers! Don’t worry friends, we see you!
THE BOTTOM LINE…
As always on the Sleep Lab we like to give you practical, no-nonsense advice as to how to actually revolutionise your sleep habits. Regardless of which bedroom air purifier plants you choose with an oxygen-rich, toxin-free environment, you’ll be breathing (and sleeping) more deeply, from day one.
Sweet dreams…
DROWSY x