5 houseplants that will help to improve your sleep quality

Here, Phil Lawlor, a Sleep Expert with Dormeo, outlines which five houseplants will do the best job of improving your quality of sleep, so you can get a better night's rest.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of people in the UK say their sleeping patterns were affected by the coronavirus lockdown, according to a survey conducted by King's College London. This isn't surprising — our daily routines were disrupted, and we all had a lot to be concerned about.

While the UK's lockdown has eased, there's still a sense of uncertainty in the air, and you might still be having trouble sleeping. Houseplants can actually have a very positive effect on your sleep quality, so why not try adding some of these to your bedroom? It's a natural and relatively affordable solution that could get you sleeping soundly once again. Here, I'll take a look at five different varieties that have been proven to promote better sleep.

Snake plants

According to a study conduced by NASA, snake plants are one of the most effective varieties for removing toxins from the air. And, because better air quality is linked to healthier sleep (Wiley Online Library), adding one to your bedside table or windowsill could be all it takes to help you get a good night's rest.

These plants are also great if you have a tendency to neglect your houseplants, because they don't take too much looking after at all. They can survive with very little water so, even if you forget to tend to them, you can count on them to survive! They also look great, which is a bonus.

Golden pothos (or Devil's Ivy)

Devil's ivy is another great plant that's known for its ability to remove toxins like carbon dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. So, adding one or two to your bedroom could be the key to getting a great night's sleep. You can't ignore how pretty these plants are, either. They grow long trails of heart-shaped leaves that will add an extra dash of colour and style to your room.

Calathea Medallion

Calathea Medallions are also great purifiers that will look absolutely stunning in your space. Their gorgeous stripy leaves have a purple underside and ruffled edges that ensure they stand out among the crowd. But they do take some maintenance, as they prefer a humid environment, which means that you'll need to mist yours regularly.

Feeling like you have a sense of purpose can actually also help to promote better sleep (NHS). So, while you might be tempted to go for plant varieties that can be left to their own devices, having a few that need to be tended to could help you to get a better night's rest, as well.

Lavender

If you've been struggling to sleep well for a while now, you're probably very familiar with lavender. The scent is often used in sleep aid products, as it's very relaxing, and can help you to drift off. If you've had success with some of these solutions before, or you would like to give it a try, why not add a small lavender plant to your bedroom? Simply place your lavender in your window so it gets plenty of sun, and water it when the top inch of soil becomes dry. It'll reward you with a beautiful scent that might just help you to sleep much better at night.

Aloe vera

While certain plants release carbon dioxide at night, Aloe vera makes a lot of oxygen, which will help to purify the air in your bedroom. And, as we've previously mentioned, better quality air can really help to aid your sleep at night. These succulents are also incredibly easy to look after. Some direct sunlight is good, and they only need to be watered when their soil has been dry for a while. You can check whether your Aloe vera plant is thirsty by feeling its leaves. If they're firm, your plant is fine, but it's in need of water if its leaves are slightly pliable.

If you've been struggling to sleep during this strange time, you aren't alone, but adding some houseplants to your bedroom could make all the difference. The varieties I've mentioned here will help to purify the air, give you a sense of purpose, or provide a relaxing scent that will help you drift off at night. So, if you're looking for a natural solution, this could be it.