Sleep Better Tonight – 7 Bedroom Plants That Bring Spa-Like Calm and Serenity to Your Evenings
From soft, arching fronds to delicate blooms, these indoor plants are recommended by scientists for those who want deeper, more restorative sleep.
Plants, let’s face it, are as close to real everyday magic as many of us are going to get. It makes sense, then, that adding some greenery to our bedrooms could be the secret to a better night's sleep.
That’s right: hot on the heels of those humidity-absorbing houseplants are the science-backed houseplants that well and truly belong in our bedrooms, apparently. Because, while they don’t replace good sleep hygiene (stop looking at your smartphone after bedtime!) or, y’know, actual fresh air, certain houseplants have been shown to support cleaner air and release oxygen at night.
Why is this important? Well, as per NASA’s iconic Clean Air Study, purer, oxygen-rich air can help your bedroom feel a) fresher and b) so much more conducive to rest. Plus, there’s no denying that their gentle greenery can boost our moods and lower stress-inducing cortisol, which means they make for a calming, spa-like sanctuary, too. What’s not to love, eh?
Plants for a Better Night's Sleep
With that in mind, here are seven houseplants that you really ought to consider adding to your bedroom. If not for their air‑improving potential and cheery low maintenance vibes, than for their calming presence....
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant (Sansevieria) is one of NASA’s most talked‑about bedroom plants because it actually releases oxygen at night, unlike most plants, and can help remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
Its upright form and architectural leaves give a serene, minimalist feel that fits modern bedrooms beautifully, too. Seriously, just look at it. Wouldn't it look completely at home in a luxury spa resort?
Grab yourself a snake plant from Amazon, then, and reap the sleep benefits for almost zero effort.
2. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are stylish and slightly more expressive, with glossy leaves and occasional white blooms that bring calm energy to a rest space.
They were also highlighted in clean‑air research for their ability to filter harmful indoor pollutants while adding moisture to the air, which is extremely helpful if (like this author) you ever wake up with a dry throat.
Grab one of the many peace lilies on Amazon and add it to your bedroom, then, if you're craving serenity. The clue's in the name, after all.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are a beginner‑friendly favourite that work very, very, very hard in the background. With long, arching leaves, they helped reduce airborne toxins in lab studies and are known for being particularly good at absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating air that feels fresher by bedtime. Win, right?
Bag yourself a ready-to-hang spider plant from Amazon and dangle it somewhere in your bedroom. You won't regret it.
4. Aloe Vera
So much more than a sunburn soother, aloe vera shares the snake plant’s unerring ability to release some oxygen at night, making it a natural choice for a bedside pot. Its sculptural silhouette is equally at home on a nightstand or dresser, and its low‑effort care makes it ideal for busy lives.
They're also pretty wallet-friendly; something like this aloe vera from Amazon will add spa-like elegance to your boudoir with ease.
5. Pothos
Pothos, and particularly golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), might look intimidatingly lush and trailing, but it’s also one of the easiest air‑purifying plants to keep happy.
It’s been included in NASA‑inspired lists of effective indoor air cleaners, too, helping make your sleep space feel fresher without daily fuss. All of which is more than enough reasons to grab a golden pothos (available at Amazon).
6. Bamboo Palm
For a slightly taller, tropical touch to your bedroom, the bamboo palm brings both gentle greenery and potential air‑improving benefits indoors.
If you fancy a challenge, why not try your hand at growing a bamboo palm from seed?
It’s known for helping filter VOCs and adding humidity – especially nice in dry climates or heated bedrooms – and its elegant fronds add a calm, natural rhythm to your décor.
You can have a bash at growing your own bamboo palm, of course, or you could splash out on a potted specimen from Walmart. The choice is yours.
7. Chinese Evergreen
If your bedroom doesn’t get much light, the Chinese evergreen is a smart pick. It tolerates lower light while still helping remove airborne pollutants and adding a splash of patterned color with minimal effort, making it a serene and practical bedroom companion.
You can get a Chinese evergreen (complete with decorative pot) via Costa Farms on Amazon.
You don't have to go bananas, of course. Just one well‑placed plant can create a sense of calm (and too many, in fact, can increase humidity past comfort levels). And take care to match your bedroom's light levels to the plant's needs: snake plants and pothos tolerate darker spaces well, while peace lilies and palms prefer moderate indirect sun.
Remember, while NASA’s study and related summaries identify plants that filter air in controlled conditions, real‑world effects in a typical home are usually a lot more subtle and supportive. Less dramatic. Still, many people find that the visual calm, clean air feel and biophilic boost from these plants helps them unwind and sleep more peacefully.
Hey, any excuse to welcome more plant babies into our homes!
