The 'indestructible' indoor plant that can help you sleep better at night

If you’re lying awake in bed, unable to fall asleep, you’re not alone. According to the , it's a common problem thought to affect around one in every three people in the UK.

While the recommended guideline is around seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, some of us are lucky if we manage to get just a few hours of shut-eye every night.

This winter, Dr Deborah Lee, a sleep expert from working with , suggests adding indoor plants to your bedroom space to improve sleep, especially during colder months. Certain plants can not only beautify your bedroom, but they can also purify the air, reduce stress and add humidity, all of which support better sleep.

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There is one plant in particular that could prove to be a household hero for exhausted insomniacs, even if they are not great at keeping greenery alive.

Aloe vera is ideal for people who aren’t great with plants because it’s incredibly low-maintenance and resilient. It thrives on minimal watering, as it stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and it prefers indirect sunlight, so it doesn’t need to be moved around all the time.

According to Dr Lee, he said: “Aloe Vera is a commonly known plant; however, a lot of people don’t know about how beneficial it can be for your sleep health.

"It is a highly resilient plant, making it perfect to add into a bedroom setting, releasing oxygen at nighttime which helps with air quality.”

Additionally, it can withstand a range of indoor conditions, making it hard to kill and perfect for beginners looking for an easy, forgiving plant that also purifies the air and adds a calming touch to any space.

A good night's sleep is essential because it allows the body and mind to repair, recharge, and maintain proper functioning. It can also help to strengthen the immune system which is more important than ever during the winter months.

Other plant choices that can help to aid better sleep, include:

Snake Plant

Dr Lee said: “Snake Plants are ideal for nighttime oxygen release and air purification, making them perfect to bring into the bedroom as this will improve air quality throughout the night, allowing for a more restful snooze. “

Peace Lily

An excellent choice for the winter months, Dr Lee explains that this plant is "perfect to have in the bedroom during the colder months as it adds moisture to the air and is known for its ability to filter airborne toxins – meaning it can also help you fight off any germs brought on by the colder weather.”

Lavender

Famous for its unique scent, lavender also has some lesser-known qualities. The expert said: “Most people know lavender for its relaxing scent – what they perhaps don’t know is how much it helps to lower stress and anxiety levels, promoting a calm and peaceful environment. Lavender is a wonderful plant to have close to your bed as it will promote a serene environment that also smells gorgeous.”

English Ivy

Offering a range of surprising health benefits, this one little plant can help you breathe cleaner in the winter.

Dr Lee said: “For those that are not aware of English Ivy, it’s known for reducing airborne mould, which aids your respiratory health. Having English Ivy in the bedroom will ensure that you’re breathing in clean air whilst you sleep, protecting you from nasty colds this winter.”