When we sleep, the oxygen levels in the blood drop, the Respiratory Care Journal opines.
According to this study from NIH, the normal oxygen saturation level for folks under 70 years is 96% – 98% when not asleep while for those above 70 years is 94%. It is important to note each of one of us can dip in saturation when it comes to oxygen levels to around 84%.
Because of the drop in oxygen levels when we sleep, it is prudent to put in place measures to supplement the already available oxygen in the bedroom. Plants can help you to not only add more oxygen to your bedroom but also filter out harmful toxins from the atmosphere.
NASA conducted research several years ago and established that some plants are more efficient at enhancing overall air quality and getting rid of toxins than others. This goes miles to make sure you enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and restful sleep. The plants we recommend in this primer are efficient at enhancing oxygen levels regardless of how big or small your bedroom is.
Note:
Not all plants are the same when it comes to improving indoor air quality and enhancing bedroom oxygen. Some are notorious for absorbing oxygen at night rather than acting as a source of the same.
In addition to purifying the air and adding oxygen in your bedroom, some of the other reasons you need to have plants inside your room include:
- Increased humidity
- Soothing properties
- Stylish décor
- Stress reduction
What’s The Ideal Number of Plants in A Bedroom?
Bill Wolverton who was part of the team of researchers that conducted the aforementioned study by NASA, provided insights on the ideal number of plants in a room. While it was difficult to establish a specific number of plants, Bill opined that two good-sized plants are ideal for each 100 sq. feet of space.
Because the purification of air is affected by the leaves’ surface area, the larger the leafier and bigger the plant, the better. Depending on the size of your bedroom, rather than having one plant, it is prudent to have different varieties and sizes. These are capable of making you feel more positive, inspired, and relaxed.
9 Best Plants for Bedroom Oxygen
The following are the best plants for bedroom oxygen:
1. English Ivy
Image Source: Terry Cralle
English Ivy also goes by the name of the European Ivy. It is another effective plant for oxygen in the bedroom. By placing it in your room, you can filter airborne toxins. NASA’s Clean Air Study that we shared earlier on this primer opines that this plant is efficient at getting rid of harmful toxins such as toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air.
In addition to purifying and adding oxygen to your bedroom, English Ivy is also effective at combating allergies according to WebMD. Therefore, if you have difficulty breathing because of allergies, you should consider having this plant in your room. Easier breathing translates to better sleep.
Because it spreads aggressively outdoors, horticulturists believe that the plant needs to be grown indoors as it limits its expansion. Due to the toxic nature of the plant when ingested, it is prudent to keep it from the rich of pets or kids.
2. Aloe Vera
While many plants absorb oxygen and produce carbon dioxide at night, some of them uptake carbon dioxide during the night due to their capability to handle a process called CAM. A perfect example of such a plant is aloe Vera. This succulent and slow-growing plant is great at releasing huge oxygen amounts at night to help you sleep better.
It’s effective at getting rid of two main chemicals from the atmosphere – benzene and formaldehyde. On top of helping you get rid of these two harmful chemicals, you can also have this plant in your house as using it is a solution to countless skin problems. Countless other aloe Vera benefits exist.
The fact that you do not need to water it often makes it easy to care for plants. Between watering, make sure you allow aloe Vera soil to dry out completely.
3. Areca Palm
Image Source: Terry Cralle
Do you know that this plant was an endangered species at some point? Oh yes! When you drive along streets in a warm or subtropical climate, chances are high that you will come across dozens of the clumping, attractive and tall palms that resemble bamboo. Their feathery, arching fronds have up to 100 leaflets.
Although they are like most of the plants we have featured here in terms of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, what makes them unique is the fact that they are also able to purify the air by eliminating harmful chemicals like toluene and xylene.
When it comes to caring for the plant, you need to keep them in filtered light and water often. Just ensure the soil is not overly moist in summer and spring. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering in winter and fall.
If you are just one person in the room, four plants that are shoulder high should be enough.
Note: Because of its size, this plant is more used in the living room
4. Snake Plant
Image Source: Terry Cralle
This also goes by the name Mother-in-law’s Tongue. It is considered by many are highly efficient when it comes to the production of oxygen. The plant is also great at purifying air via the removal of trichloroethylene and benzene among other harmful toxins.
The Mother-in-law’s Tongue plant does incredibly well in window light. You need to water it every week. If you are one person in your bedroom, 6 – 8 waist level plants should be enough. If your room is air sealed, these plants can produce adequate oxygen to respire normally.
5. Peace Lily
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Peace lilies make for excellent air cleaners. An added benefit of having them is their ability to raise room humidity by around 5%. This study holds that high humidity levels can reduce susceptibility to respiratory illnesses and colds.
According to this journal by the American Society for Horticultural Science, peace lilies are also linked with reduced ratings of fatigue, anxiety, and pain when placed next to a bed. The only caveat to these plants is that they do not do well with some pets such as cats. Therefore, if you have pets, it is prudent to avoid them.
6. Lavender
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If you are into natural remedies, chances are high that you are already familiar with the versatile nature of lavender. Although lavender might not be as effective as some of the plants in this list in terms of purifying air, you can trust the plant to increase oxygen in your bedroom.
From bubble baths and aromatherapy oils to blooming gardens, many people have used lavender in the past for its relaxing and calming benefits.
Want you and your loved ones to enjoy deep sleep? This is the hands-down the best plant to enhance deep sleep.
7. Jasmine
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Most people know Jasmine flowers due to their sweet smell. Pretty-looking and featuring white flowers, these plants are worth investing your effort and time in as you nurture them in your bedroom. Since there is a correlation between oxygen levels and stress, it is wise to have a plant such as jasmine that helps increase oxygen levels in the bedroom.
Their mesmerizing scent is what makes them a common ingredient in candles and perfumes. Their pleasant aroma according to studies, reduces anxiety, depression, and anxiety thus helping you enjoy an improved mental performance the following day. High toxin levels in your bedroom can increase anxiety and stress levels. It is therefore important to have a plant such as a jasmine that enjoys the countless benefits it brings to not only clear your air of toxins but also give you a sweet aroma as you sleep.
8. Valerian
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Courtesy of its tiny white and pink flowers, this plant will certainly look dazzling in your bedroom. On top of the sweet scent, these plants have been utilized for many years to assist with sleep issues such as insomnia. Inhaling the root’s scent induces sleep which goes miles to enhancing your sleep quality.
In addition to having this plant in your bedroom, you can add a couple of petals of this plant into your bath or just grab a sniff before heading to bed to enjoy a restful sleep.
When it comes to caring, this plant requires roughly 6 hours of sun every day. This means that it is prudent to place it next to a window.
9. Golden Pothos
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One of the best attributes of Golden Pothos is the fact that they are low-maintenance. Their striking attribute is their prowess in reducing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The air-purifying plants feature dazzling and trailing leaves that look incredible in hanging shelves and baskets.
While they can get to lengths of close to 40 feet when in tropical jungles, Pothos confine themselves to roughly 10 feet when indoors. Although most indoor plants rarely produce berries or flowers, certain varieties of these plants bring with them small petal-less flowers with tiny berries.
When it comes to taking care of them, you need to give them moderate indoor light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as their green leaves turn to yellow in the presence of too much light. In terms of soil management, ensure it is only moist. Refrain from overwatering it.
Pothos thrive when you allow the soil to dry between watering. Regarding temperature, they perform great at moderate temperatures of 55 – 85 degrees F.
If you desire to free up space on your bedroom shelves and floor, these are the plants you need to consider buying.
Other Plants You Can Also Consider (If You Like)
Some of the other plants that you can place in your bedroom for oxygen are:
Gerbera
If you’re looking for dainty blooms that give your room the uniqueness it deserves, you should consider Gerbera daisies. In addition to spicing your room with some pop of color, they also boast the ability to raise oxygen levels in your bedroom. The plant is also handy at purifying the air inside the room.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus with its rosy flowers and drooping branches, this tropical cactus is without a doubt a real looker. It produces lots of oxygen during the night rather than during the day. Of course, this is incredible news for the quality of sleep.
When it comes to caring for the plant, make sure you keep the soil moist daily.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig is also known as a Ficus plant. It is an incredibly attractive foliage plant that is effective at purifying the air. NASA recognizes it as one of the best indoor plants for air purification and oxygen addition to your bedroom. You can also trust it at cleansing airborne toluene, and xylene.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons like an elephant ear, selloum, and heartleaf are efficient at getting rid of formaldehyde while at the same time adding oxygen into your room.
Others Ways to Maintain and/or Enhance Oxygen (Air Quality) Levels in Your Bedroom
In addition to placing certain plants in your bedroom, there’s a host of other things you can do to maintain and/or enhance oxygen levels or the quality of air in your bedroom. Here are some of the strategies you can apply:
Strictly Use Low VOC Mattresses
EPA opines that VOCs can be detrimental in affecting indoor air quality. An effective way to have a good quality of air in your bedroom is by keeping VOCs out of your bedroom. You can achieve this goal by strictly using low VOC mattresses and other beddings. Instead of buying just any mattress, you should consider purchasing organic latex mattresses.
The main advantage of these is the fact that they are wholly plant-derived and produced organically.
Some of them are made by utilizing a mixture of plant-based and synthetic foam.
One of the best organic mattresses that I can recommend for you is the Amerisleep Organic Mattress.
It brings with it everything you need to enjoy a healthy and restful sleep. This mattress does not have any unnatural additives or harmful chemicals.
Sleeping on the Side
Do you know that sleeping on your side can enhance your nightly oxygen intake? Oh yes! The major reason is gravity!
When sleeping on our backs, the entire weight of our bodies presses or pushes the lungs and airways which causes obstructions. This in turn results in difficulty in breathing.
It is also true according to this study that side-sleeping is great at better managing sleep apnea by protecting the airways from collapse.
Consider Supplemental Oxygen
Another way to increase oxygen levels in your bedroom is through supplemental oxygen.
Oxygen therapy is an efficient treatment option for medical ailments that cause hypoxemia like lung diseases, COPD, and sleep apnea. This study looked at important considerations when handling supplemental oxygen therapy so that one does not overdo it.
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