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Getting a good night's sleep is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. But you don’t have to leave it to chance. One method is actually astronaut approved.
Astronauts have it rough when it comes to sleeping, reported Healthline. With no sunrise or twilight, sleep patterns are greatly disturbed. But, one space traveler, cosmonaut Valentin Lebedev, put plants near his bed on the Salyut space station and found that it helped him fall asleep. And he is not alone.
A study published in Life Sciences in Space Research showed that houseplants can help you sleep better on earth too. That’s because just 15 minutes of being in a green space can help reduce cortisol – the stress hormone – and the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
The research also suggested that keeping houseplants in your bedroom will give you the most benefits. But some plants are better than others. Here are five plants that could help you improve the quality of your sleep:
Soothing Lavender
Lavender is a common ingredient in lotions and baby care products because of its sleep-inducing qualities according to the website Martha Stewart. Instead of just filling your room with lavender scented candles or air-fresheners, try putting a lavender plant in your bedroom and create a tranquil place to sleep.
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Golden Pothos
A golden pothos plant is also a good choice to help you sleep. This almost indestructible houseplant doesn’t need much light or water. Besides being so low maintenance, this plant is also an excellent air purifier that removes toxins including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
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Peace Lily
Peace lilies are fantastic bedroom plants, especially in the winter, according to a blog from the Planteria Group. That’s because this houseplant can increase the humidity in the room by up to 5 percent. This will make it easier to breathe and decrease dry skin and static electricity in the room.
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Aloe Plant
Most people know that aloe plants come with great medicinal benefits including soothing a sunburn and helping to heal minor cuts. But this hearty plant also makes oxygen at night, making it a great sleep inducer. Keep an aloe plant by your bed and catch some ZZs
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Areca Palm
This plant is known for being one of the top air purifiers because it pulls toxins from the air. Areca palms are also a natural humidifier that will maintain good air quality while you sleep. The palm requires a little more maintenance than some of the others because it requires bright indirect sunlight, and the soil must be kept moist during the spring and summer.
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