Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. While comfy pillows and blackout curtains are helpful, there’s a natural, often overlooked way to boost your sleep quality: bedroom plants.
Certain indoor plants don’t just beautify your space — they actually help purify the air, increase humidity, and even release calming scents. In this guide, you’ll discover the best plants to keep in your bedroom for a better night’s sleep, along with styling tips and care advice to turn your room into a tranquil, sleep-friendly oasis.
Can Plants Really Help You Sleep?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
- Purifying the air: Some plants remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide — improving air quality while you sleep.
- Increasing humidity: Dry air can irritate your sinuses and disrupt your sleep. Plants naturally release moisture into the air.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Just being around plants has been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels.
- Producing oxygen: Some plants continue to release oxygen at night, unlike most which only do so during the day.
Top Plants for Better Sleep
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it’s great:
One of the few plants that converts CO₂ into oxygen at night, making it ideal for your bedroom.
Care tips:
- Low-maintenance
- Water every 2–3 weeks
- Thrives in low to medium light
Placement idea:
On the floor beside your bed or in a tall planter in a bedroom corner.
2. Lavender (Lavandula)
Why it’s great:
Known for its soothing scent, lavender has been shown to lower heart rate and stress levels — helping you fall asleep faster.
Care tips:
- Needs lots of light (south-facing window is best)
- Water when the topsoil feels dry
- Prune regularly to keep it bushy
Placement idea:
On a nightstand or windowsill near your pillow.
3. Aloe Vera
Why it’s great:
Like the snake plant, aloe releases oxygen at night. It’s also super easy to care for and doubles as a skincare remedy!
Care tips:
- Loves bright, indirect light
- Water only when soil is fully dry
- Use well-draining soil
Placement idea:
In a sunny window or in a small ceramic pot on a dresser.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why it’s great:
Peace lilies help filter airborne toxins and increase humidity — both great for respiratory health and sleep quality.
Care tips:
- Prefers low to medium light
- Keep soil lightly moist
- Mist occasionally for humidity
Placement idea:
On a plant stand across from the bed, or in a corner with filtered light.
5. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Why it’s great:
Valerian root is a well-known natural sleep aid — and the plant itself emits a light, calming fragrance.
Care tips:
- Needs full sun (grow lights can help indoors)
- Water regularly
- May need repotting as it grows
Placement idea:
If light allows, keep it near a window with lots of sun exposure.
6. Jasmine (Jasminum)
Why it’s great:
Jasmine flowers give off a soft, sweet aroma that has been linked to lower anxiety and deeper sleep.
Care tips:
- Bright light is essential
- Water frequently during blooming
- Needs good airflow
Placement idea:
In a hanging pot or decorative ceramic container near a bright window.
Tips for Styling Bedroom Plants
You want your bedroom to feel calm, not cluttered — so plant placement matters just as much as plant choice.
Styling ideas:
- Nightstand greenery: Use small, oxygen-boosting plants like aloe or lavender
- Corner fillers: Tall plants like snake plant or peace lily in ceramic pots
- Wall shelves: Hang trailing plants or place small pots to add vertical interest
- Matching planters: Choose soft-toned or neutral containers for a unified, relaxing look
- Window beauty: Place sun-loving plants like jasmine or valerian where they’ll thrive and beautify the view
Things to Keep in Mind
- Avoid strong-smelling or pollen-heavy plants if you have allergies.
- Don’t overcrowd — one to three well-placed plants is plenty for most bedrooms.
- Make sure your plants are non-toxic if you have pets.
- Rotate and clean your plants regularly to keep them healthy and fresh.
Bonus: Aromatherapy + Plants = Dreamy Sleep
Enhance your sleep sanctuary by pairing your plants with natural elements:
- A lavender essential oil diffuser next to your lavender plant
- Chamomile tea and a jasmine bloom for calm nighttime rituals
- A salt lamp or soft ambient lighting to mimic sunset tones
- Light background music and your green friends for a full sensory wind-down
Sleep Better, Naturally
Adding plants to your bedroom isn’t just a design trend — it’s a science-backed way to improve your sleep, reduce stress, and create a more peaceful home. With the right choices and placements, you can turn your bedroom into a personal retreat that promotes wellness, one leaf at a time.
Sleep tight, breathe deep, and wake up refreshed — your plants will be working all night to help you.