Can't sleep? Why these festive houseplants may be the answer
HOUSEPLANTS can improve the look of any room, but did you know that these festive favourites could improve your sleep quality too?
Learn how to care for Christmas cactus and poinsettias
The countdown to Christmas is almost over, but it can seem like a lifetime for those of us struggling to unwind each night. As festive houseplants begin to fill our homes, there’s no better time to reap the health benefits of everything from poinsettias to cyclamens to improve your sleep in the run up to the big day. Express.co.uk spoke to the sleep experts at MattressNextDay to find out which festive plants you should have in your property this winter and why.
Do houseplants make you sleep?
There are three main components of houseplants that can help us sleep - all of which can be beneficial for both our physical and mental health, according to scientists at Beihang University in Beijing.
Medical website Healthline has found that houseplants can aid our sleep through:
- Their calming colours - green has been proven the most soothing
- Soothing scents - edible plants like strawberry and coriander came out on top
- Reduce stress - houseplants have been proven to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone) which can in turn make you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep without disturbance
Research conducted by Beihang University found that just 15 minutes of interaction with houseplants before going to sleep can improve your sleep quality significantly - but which festive varieties work the best?
READ MORE: Mrs Hinch fan shares ‘really easy’ way to clean skirting boards
Poinsettias
MattressNextDay recommends poinsettias for a better night’s sleep this December.
The bright red flowers and rich green leaves have been found to have some of the most effective cleansing and purifying effects compared to other houseplants.
The mattress experts said: “Research shows that these are one of the best festive plants for cleaning and purifying the air as they can remove formaldehyde from the air which can occur from insulation and paint.
“While it is unlikely that we’d have high levels of formaldehyde in our homes, it can still cause issues at low levels, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation.”
Christmas cactus
Also known as the schlumbergera, the Christmas cactus will bloom right through December.
The delicate pink blooms make for a subtle addition to any room, while the deep foliage resembles the green hues of a Christmas tree.
Unlike most plants, the schlumbergera releases oxygen through the night which can improve your sleep quality during the cold and flu season.
A better night’s sleep can help you beat the winter blues while improving your mood and energy levels throughout the day.
DON'T MISS:
‘Perfect’ baking powder solution to kill weeds on your patio or drive [INSIGHT]
Carol Vorderman net worth: How the TV star earned her fortune [REVEAL]
How to stop car windows from steaming up - shaving foam hack [EXPLAINER]
DON'T MISS:
‘Perfect’ baking powder solution to kill weeds on your patio or drive [INSIGHT]
Carol Vorderman net worth: How the TV star earned her fortune [REVEAL]
How to stop car windows from steaming up - shaving foam hack [EXPLAINER]
READ MORE
Boat orchids
The cymbidium orchid is a beautiful plant which blooms with delicate pastel petals and the classic rich woody stem.
Orchids themselves are particularly adept at removing xylene from the air while offering a stunning display of flowers through the cold weather season.
Anthuriums
This long lasting plant shines bright all year round with its long-lasting red petals while working to remove ammonia from the air.
Household cleaners contain a high concentration of ammonia, so add an anthurium to your bedroom after a deep winter clean.
Cyclamens
Cyclamens are a classic winter flower which makes for a great alternative to the classic red poinsettia.
The varied hues of cyclamen petals offer a display of red, white or pink right through the winter.
Keep cyclamen around to absorb sulphur dioxide which can come from poorly ventilated gas appliances, tobacco smoke and chimneys.
Begonias
These potted flowers are a sight to behold through the festive season thanks to their vibrant blooms and eye-catching foliage.
Begonia leaves can enhance the air quality in your home by filtering out benzene.
Benzene is commonly found in glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents.
Begonia are the perfect addition to your kitchen while making festive crafts.