Getting adequate, restful sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. However, many of us struggle to wind down at night and drift off into a deep, restorative slumber. If you want to transform your bedroom into a relaxing sanctuary that promotes healthy sleep patterns, consider adding some indoor plants.

Not only do houseplants add warmth, color and life to any space, certain varieties have properties that can help reduce anxiety, improve air quality and set the stage for more restorative sleep. After examining numerous studies and plant care guides, I’ve compiled this list of the top 10 plants to keep in your bedroom for better sleep and wellbeing.

1. Lavender

With its fresh, floral scent and soothing purple hues, aromatic lavender is a quintessential bedroom plant Lavender has been used for centuries for its calming, relaxing properties. The lavender fragrance is believed to reduce anxiety, slow heart rate and prep both body and mind for sleep

Put a lavender plant or sachet in a pot on your nightstand or window sill, and the sweet smell will help you relax. Lavender needs full sun, so put it in a window that gets a lot of sun. Water once or twice a week, but let the soil dry out a bit in between times.

2. Snake Plant

With its upright, sword-like leaves, the snake plant is an eye-catching addition to any bedroom Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, it’s one of the most popular houseplants because it’s virtually indestructible Snake plants thrive in low light and with infrequent watering, making them perfect for darker bedrooms.

Some studies show snake plants can help purify indoor air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene At night, it releases oxygen for better breathing Let soil dry out between waterings and provide bright, indirect light.

3. Jasmine

A bedroom is the ideal place for a jasmine plant. People have known for a long time that the sweet, heady scent of jasmine can help relieve stress and relax you. The smell of jasmine has been used for a long time to help people relax and sleep. It helps calm the body and mind, making it easier to unwind before bed.

It will do best near a window that gets bright, indirect sunlight. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. The beautiful scent of the white or yellow flowers will fill your bedroom.

4. Gardenia

Similar to jasmine, gardenias are prized for their sweet, floral fragrance that whispers of romance and relaxation. These elegant flowering plants are perfect for giving your bedroom a tropical vibe. Not only does the soothing gardenia scent promote tranquility, but keeping plants in your bedroom can also help boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Bright, indirect light, high humidity, and soil that drains well are all good things for your gardenia. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Cut back any dead buds or leaves on your gardenia to keep it looking its best.

5. Peace Lily

If you want a simple, low-maintenance plant for your bedroom, you can’t go wrong with the peace lily. Peace lilies thrive in shady rooms with minimal sunlight, making them an ideal bedroom plant. As an added bonus, peace lilies filter out harmful pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from indoor air.

Water your peace lily when the soil is partly dry. Providing too much water can cause root rot. Give it an occasional dose of houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.

6. English Ivy

With its lush, trailing vines and evergreen foliage, English ivy makes a graceful addition to any bedroom. Studies show that keeping English ivy plants in your home can help reduce mold spores and airborne fecal-matter particles. The NASA Clean Air Study found English ivy highly effective at cleansing indoor air.

English ivy prefers bright, indirect light. Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out. As an added bonus, the vines can be trained to frame windows, trail from baskets or climb walls for a tropical feel.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is renowned for its healing properties. Keeping one on your nightstand not only looks great but provides a dose of remedies as needed. Simply break off a fleshy leaf and apply the gel inside to minor cuts, burns and skin irritations for instant relief. Aloe also contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation.

Preferring bright, direct light, aloe vera is easy to grow indoors or outdoors. Allow the soil to fully dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Aloe also propagates easily from stem cuttings.

8. Spider Plant

With long, graceful leaves that cascade from a central stalk, spider plants are easy to grow and look great in hanging baskets. NASA ranks them among the best houseplants for cleaning indoor air, removing up to 90% of harmful toxins. They also release oxygen at night, boosting bedroom air quality.

Provide bright, indirect sunlight and allow soil to partly dry between waterings. Occasionally prune brown leaves or dead strands. Spider plants also propagate rapidly, allowing you to easily share the babies with family and friends.

9. Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring, is another bedroom essential. Known for its air-purifying properties, snake plants can absorb harmful toxins including xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxide, improving nighttime air quality. The NASA Clean Air Study found snake plants especially adept at removing airborne toxins.

Snake plants are also among the most hardy indoor plants, tolerating weeks of neglect and thriving in low light. Just don’t overwater and provide occasional doses of plant food. Remove any dead leaves or damaged parts to keep your snake plant looking its best.

10. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreens are hailed as one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Available in a variety of leaf shapes and colors, they add lively foliage and a breath of fresh air to any indoor space. The shiny leaves in hues of silver, pink, red or black jazz up any bedroom while also naturally cleansing the air.

Chinese evergreens thrive in low to medium indirect light, growing rapidly into full, bushy plants. Allow the soil to partly dry between waterings. Wipe the waxy leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep dust free.

Caring for Bedroom Plants

Now that you know the top 10 plants to keep in your bedroom for better sleep and wellbeing, let’s go over some general care and maintenance tips:

• Light: Most bedroom plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Some low-light lovers like peace lilies and Chinese evergreens can tolerate darker corners. Rotate plants periodically so all sides get exposure.

• Water: Check soil moisture before watering. Allow the top inch to become partly dry. Take care not to overwater, which can lead to root rot.

• Soil: Use a quality potting mix and provide drainage holes in containers. For many plants, a general houseplant potting soil works well. Others like gardenias prefer more acidic blends.

• Fertilizer: Apply a diluted houseplant fertilizer once every few weeks during the growing season for healthier, more vigorous plants. Always follow package directions.

• Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged growth. Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier, more compact plants.

• Cleaning: Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and keep plants looking their best.

• Toxicity: Many common houseplants are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Avoid plants like dieffenbachia, philodendron, and pothos if you have curious kids or pets.

When cared for properly, bedroom plants can thrive for many years. Follow these tips to ensure your plants add life and tranquility to your bedroom for years to come. Sweet dreams!