You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who admits to getting quality rest every night of the week. Whether stress, a dependence on screens, crazy work schedules, a baby in the house, or just plain insomnia is to blame, the fact of the matter is that many of us out there are just not getting the sleep we need!
Though everything from holistic practices like yoga to heavy-duty prescription medications can end up making a difference in a sleep pattern, there are times when it’s important to focus on shifting your environment first, before you do anything drastic.
You see, there are many common house plants that have actually been proven to help you sleep better. It may be a bit of a new concept for you, but we think it’s worth an honest shot, especially considering that the most effective ones are cheap to buy, present beautifully in any room, and are all-natural. Here are some that we think you should put next to your bed ASAP.
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English Ivy
If breathing problems related to allergies, asthma, or COPD make you toss and turn, give this mold-reducing wonder a try. Studies have found that this trusty plant can actually reduce mold allergens by 94% within the first 12 hours. Protip: As its berries can be poisonous in nature, it’s best to not place the plant around pets or children!
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Lavender
This age-old aromatherapy remedy is most people’s go-to when it comes to sleep. But if intense essential oils are not your thing, consider adding a few of these lavender plants to your bedroom. This heavenly-smelling herb not only makes you sleepy, it can also reduce heart rate and anxiety, and even offers pain-relieving effects.
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Aloe Vera
On top of being one of the most useful plants for lesions and beauty, aloe vera also can help improve the overall air quality in your home. The aloe vera plant produces a ton of oxygen, thus working as a natural air filtration system, of sorts. And because more oxygen means a better night’s rest, we think that adding this plant to your bedroom is a real no-brainer!
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Peace Lily
Similar to the English ivy, the peace lily does a fantastic job of cutting pollutants out of the air. In fact, this regal-looking plant is known to neutralize toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and even carbon monoxide. As a bonus, the lily is without a doubt the most beautiful choice on our list!
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Valerian
You may be familiar with the idea of ingesting valerian root for a better night’s sleep, but did you know that simply keeping one around your house can have a similar effect on your slumber?
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Jasmine
This sweet smelling flower is generally most well-known for being a popular choice in tea, but it’s also effective when used in aromatherapy. Known for being a natural anti-depressant, jasmine helps reduce nighttime anxiety, a fact that we think will help you sleep a whole lot better!
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Gardenia
Found mostly in Chinese medicine, gardenia is used to treat everything from inflammation to influenza, and, most notably, insomnia. If you decide to bring one of these plants into your bedroom, be sure that it gets plenty of sunlight, as it is most effective when fully blooming.
What do you think of this concept? Have you placed any of these plants in your bedroom in hopes that they will help improve your sleep? If so, which one(s) work best? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!