The average American spends 87 percent of their life indoors, according to a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the National Sleep Foundation, we spend almost one-third of our life asleep. Indoor air quality consistently ranks as a primary threat to health and significantly impacts sleep quality.
Fortunately, there is a simple way to improve indoor air and breathe easier at night: plants. Bedroom plants release oxygen at night, purify the air, and can even promote better sleep.
Why Should You Have Plants in Your Bedroom?
Benefits of Bedroom Plants
Plants in the bedroom can reduce contaminants, soothe an anxious mind, and improve air quality, helping you achieve optimal sleep. Through transpiration, houseplants maintain humidity levels, preventing respiratory issues, sore throats, colds, and even skin breakouts.
Plants that release oxygen at night can produce negative ions, which attach to particles like mold spores, bacteria, dust, and allergens, effectively purifying the air. Negative ions may also improve psychological health and productivity.
With more than 50 percent of adults experiencing sleep problems due to generalized anxiety, greenery can reduce stress and help promote more peaceful sleep. The color green itself has a calming effect, supporting relaxation and sleep onset.
Approximately 70 percent of the body’s detoxification occurs through breathing. Placing a few plants in your bedroom allows you to immediately benefit from cleaner air.
What Bedroom Plants Are Right for You?
Plants That Give Off the Most Oxygen
Snake Plant
This low-maintenance plant converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night and filters common household toxins. It is one of NASA’s top 10 air-purifying plants. Note: Snake plants are toxic if ingested, so keep pets away.
Aloe Vera
This resilient succulent removes airborne carcinogens and releases oxygen at night. Aloe Vera purifies the air with minimal care, and is also known for its burn-soothing properties.
Plants That Induce Sleep
Lavender
Lavender slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure, helping to induce sleep.
Valerian
Valerian’s pink flowers stimulate the brain’s GABA system, relaxing the body and preparing it for sleep.
Plants That Help Allergy Sufferers
English Ivy
Effective at absorbing toxins, English Ivy removes 78 percent of airborne mold in 12 hours, helping allergy sufferers sleep better.
Red-Edged Dracaena
This evergreen shrub removes volatile organic compounds such as benzene found in plastics, fabrics, and smoke. It is low-maintenance but toxic to pets if ingested.
Plants That Reduce Anxiety
Holy Basil
Holy Basil emits a scent that soothes nerves and reduces anxiety, helping you relax without consumption.
Jasmine
Jasmine’s gentle fragrance reduces anxious feelings, creating a tranquil sleep environment.
Plants That Clean the Air
Peace Lily
Removes toxins, increases room humidity, and absorbs mold spores, improving air quality while enhancing aesthetics.
Spider Plant
Spider Plants removed approximately 90 percent of formaldehyde in NASA’s clean air study. Though not visually striking, they are highly effective at purifying air and reducing odors.
How Many Bedroom Plants Should I Have?
The number of plants depends on your bedroom size and maintenance commitment. Bedroom plants are a cost-effective, elegant solution for indoor toxins.
Consider:
- Time spent at home
- Air quality in your city or neighborhood
- Surrounding trees and foliage
- Number of occupants in your home
- Synthetic products and furnishings indoors
The NASA clean air study recommends 15–18 oxygen-producing plants for an 1,800 square-foot home.
Better Air Quality Means Better Sleep
Poor ventilation and airborne toxins in your bedroom can shorten the lifespan of a mattress and negatively impact your health. Green up your environment and upgrade your mattress for a healthier bedroom.
At Mattress Warehouse, our priority is helping you sleep better. Sleep scientists select the perfect mattress for each individual based on physical characteristics, back/joint pain, and sleep position. Learn how Mattress Warehouse customizes your sleep environment through the bedMATCH process. Your air quality and mattress quality should never be anything less than the best!