There are so many things that can affect our chances of having a good night's sleep, including how much caffeine we've consumed that day, and whether or not we can switch our brains off.
But it turns out you could be making your life a lot easier if you just have five different types of plants in your bedroom – all of which have qualities which enable you to drift off to sleep faster.
Sleep psychologist at Happy Beds, Dr Katherine Hall, said: "Many studies have shown that the presence of plants in a bedroom can create many sleep-inducing benefits. Firstly, they help lower a person's cortisol levels (otherwise known as the stress hormone) by releasing oxygen at night, which helps clear the mind and relax the body.
"In addition, plants help improve the ventilation and humidity of a room, making it easier for a person to breathe at night and, therefore, drift off. This is because plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through their leaves during photosynthesis. This process means that you'll breathe fresher air the more plants that you have in your bedroom.
"Similarly, plants release water vapour into the air through their leaves and stems, which helps maintain humidity levels in your home. This is especially important during the hotter months when aircon dries out indoor spaces faster than normal."
Here are five plants you should consider having in your room because of their sleep-inducing side effects.
Snake plant
Snake plants naturally emit oxygen, which can help purify the air you are breathing in, leading to better and healthier sleep.
Dr Hall said: "Get yourself a snake plant or two for the best air purification. These plants look stylish on a bedside table and remove harmful chemicals from the air, helping with respiration and ensuring you sleep soundly right through till morning."
Lavender plant
The beautiful lavender plant is recognised as an aid for rest, which is why a lot of natural oils and pillow sprays use this scent to promote faster sleep.
Dr Hall said: "You'll get multiple benefits in one - a pretty plant and a long-lasting, calming fragrance that promotes relaxation from the second you set foot in your bedroom. Place it next to your bed to feel the maximum benefit as you drift off to sleep."
Aloe vera succulent
The aloe vera plant is easy-to-care for, and also works at purifying the air quality. Dr Hall added: "Traditionally used for medicine, aloe vera plants produce plenty of oxygen, so they will help improve air purity and quality in whichever room they're in.
"Plus, the fan-like, fleshy leaves make for a unique, interesting-looking plant that will make an instant impression in your space."
Spider plant
The spider plant is also easy to care for, as it only needs watering occasionally and can survive in direct sunlight. Dr Hall added: "They're also a gorgeous-looking plant as they have long leaves that snake out and fan over the edge of the pot, which means they look especially great in hanging pots.
"Use hooks or pins to hang them from walls or curtain poles for an effortless boho bedroom look."
Jasmine plant
Much like the lavender plant, Jasmine is another scent that helps promote wellness. Dr Hall said: "The jasmine plant produces a lovely, sweet scent that can help reduce stress and anxiety, ideal for helping you drift off to sleep soundly.
"It's also an incredibly pretty plant, with delicate green leaves and attractive white flowers. It will match various décor styles, bringing your bedroom a stylish, chic and sophisticated vibe."
Do you have any of these in your bedroom? Let us know in the comment section below.
