6 Best Bedroom Plants for Better Sleep and Cleaner Air

Adding the right greenery to your bedroom can transform it into a tranquil sanctuary, promoting deeper sleep and improving indoor air quality. Certain houseplants actively remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air while also emitting oxygen during the night, helping to regulate humidity and soothe the mind.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most robust and easy-care air-purifying plants for bedrooms. Unlike most plants, it continues to release oxygen at night, helping to maintain higher indoor oxygen levels while you sleep. In NASA’s Clean Air Study, snake plants were shown to absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, contributing to cleaner air and reduced headache risk. They thrive in a range of light conditions, from low indirect light to bright filtered light, and require watering only once every one to two weeks. Their upright, sword-like leaves also make a striking design statement, fitting neatly into modern and minimalist décor.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is celebrated for its calming fragrance, which has been clinically shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, thereby promoting a relaxed state conducive to sleep. Research indicates that inhaling lavender essential oil can improve slow-wave sleep, instrumental in memory consolidation and emotional processing. As a flowering plant, it requires bright light and well-drained soil but can flourish in a sunny windowsill or on a bedroom balcony if space allows. While lavender does not feature in NASA’s air-filtering roster, its aromatic qualities and anxiety-reducing benefits make it an indispensable addition for restful nights.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

The peace lily is valued for its ability to remove common indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and ammonia, while simultaneously raising humidity levels. Its glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms add a touch of serenity to any bedroom, helping to create a spa-like atmosphere. Peace lilies thrive in low to medium indirect light and prefer consistently moist soil, though they can tolerate brief drying out between waterings. They have also been shown to reduce mould spores in the air, which can benefit allergy sufferers seeking uninterrupted sleep.

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Jasmine plants emit a sweet floral scent that has been linked to better sleep quality and reduced anxiety. A study comparing jasmine’s fragrance to other sleep-aiding scents found that jasmine produced the most significant improvement in sleep efficiency and daytime alertness. Night-blooming varieties, such as Jasminum polyanthum, release their scent most strongly in the evening, making them ideal bedside companions. Jasmine requires bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil; it can be grown in pots and gently trained on a trellis or allowed to cascade for maximum visual appeal.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a champion of air purification, effectively removing formaldehyde and xylene while also increasing humidity through transpiration. Its arching green and white striped leaves bring a playful texture to bedroom décor, and its spiderettes can be propagated into new plants for other rooms. Spider plants perform well in low to bright indirect light and only require moderate watering, making them perfect for novice plant owners. Their resilience and toxin-removal attributes contribute to a healthier sleep environment.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe vera is renowned not only for its soothing gel but also for its ability to emit oxygen at night and absorb carbon dioxide, ensuring fresher air during sleep. NASA’s study confirmed aloe vera’s capacity to eliminate formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. This succulent thrives on neglect, requiring only occasional watering and plenty of bright, indirect light. Its small, spiky leaves fit comfortably on a bedside table, while its gel can be used to treat minor skin irritations and burns, offering an added bonus of wellness benefits.

Incorporating these six plants into your bedroom not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also actively improves air quality and supports more restorative sleep. Whether you choose the hardy snake plant for low-light conditions, the fragrant allure of lavender and jasmine, or the robust toxin-filtration abilities of peace lilies, spider plants and aloe vera, each brings unique benefits. With minimal care requirements and proven health advantages, these botanical allies can help you breathe easier and wake feeling refreshed each morning.