The Major Benefits Of Putting An Aloe Vera Plant Near Your Bed At Night

If getting a good night's rest has become a struggle, you may be among the 35% of adults who report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The benefits of adequate sleep include improved health, clearer thinking, reduced stress, and fewer illnesses. While limiting caffeine, cutting screen time a few hours before bed, and creating a consistent routine can help, so can learning how to make a peaceful bedroom for a good night's sleep. One way to do this is through the strategic placement of houseplants in your bedroom. Aloe barbadensis 'Miller', better known as aloe vera, is a fantastic option because it releases oxygen at night.

As part of the succulent family, the aloe vera plant is a perennial with green, thick leaves that are wide at the base and taper to reach a point at the top. The inner leaf contains gel, commonly known as aloe gel, that's used for many topical skin conditions, including acne and sunburns. But the use of the aloe plant is nothing new — the plant dates back thousands of years and was once regarded by the ancient Egyptians as "the plant of immortality."

In 1989, NASA conducted a study called "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement." Researchers analyzed the effects of various indoor houseplants on air quality in closed spaces, and aloe made the list. In addition to purifying the air to some degree, aloe also releases oxygen at night, which can improve the air in a confined space. Since poor air quality can negatively affect the duration and quality of your sleep, placing an air-health-boosting plant like aloe on your bedside table is a smart step toward a better snooze. As a bonus, you can also learn how to safely harvest the gel from your indoor aloe vera plant for other uses.

There's another reason that aloe can promote sleep, and it has to do with its effect on your room. The tranquil, nature-inspired atmosphere that plants create is thought to boost relaxation and calmness, thereby helping to induce sleepiness. Since aloe vera plants are among the easiest of houseplants to care for, they're a good fit even for newbies. Just avoid these common mistakes everyone makes with their new aloe vera plant. If you're ready for more restful sleep, add an aloe plant to your bedside table while also focusing on other ways to improve sleep quality. You'll be on your way to better sleep in no time.