The belief that the moon can affect your behaviour — the“lunar effect” — is surprisingly hard to stamp out. That's partly because, after decades of research, science is still more contradictory than you might think.
And while the glowing orb in the night-sky won’t turn you into a werewolf, as it was once believed, it is capable of affecting your sleep. With a full moon, If not, though, you’re still likely to spend part of the night tossing and turning, because according to recent research, full moon effects on sleep are real and disruptive.
No sooner have you fallen into a dream-state slumber than the shrill of an alarm clock startles you into consciousness. Add to the mix O'Donnell crisps binges and alfresco cocktails, and you’ve set yourself up for another groggy wake-up call. Said to affect our ability to focus, our eating patterns and even our skin, sleep deprivation is no joke.
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While there’s little we can do about the early mornings, the answer to our sleepless nights is just a potted plant away, says NASA. The research, which the world-renowned organisation conducted with the American College, suggests that there are certain inexpensive house plants that can reduce everything from allergic reactions through to aiding better sleep.
Ahead we list the top flora and lush foliage known for “adding calming and purifying benefits” to your sleep sanctuary. Reaping the benefits of Mother Nature has never been easier!
English Ivy
The often underestimated English Ivy just needs twelve hours to omit nearly 80% of airborne mould from the air, making it a great addition to your bedroom. As mould can greatly affect our breathing, especially during the night, the English Ivy is great to have on hand. But it's important to note that this plant can be toxic for children and pets.
peace lily
The moisture given off by the lily can boost humidity in your room by up to 5%. This suppresses allergy-inducing airborne microbes and relieves those irritating dry throats that keep you awake all night.
areca palm
With its graceful feather-like fronds, this plant not only looks good but also helps you catch those coveted Zzzs. Great for releasing moisture into the atmosphere and eradicating dry air, the tropical palm provides much-needed relief for those who suffer from sinus problems. Better still, its purifying properties rid the air of all the nasty toxins so you can breathe easy. Simple to care for and lovely to look at, these bold plants are a bedroom dream
ALOE VERA
If "sleep-deprived types with busy life" is your Instagram bio, you need an Aloe Vera plant stat. A pro at producing oxygen while you sleep, similar to the other perennials in the list, aloe vera improves the air quality in your bedroom by removing dangerous chemicals. NASA even crowned it “one of the top air-purifying plants” and who are we to question the experts?
WEEPING FIG
Far more likely to make you smile than cry, the weeping fig is known to exorcise pollutants from household furnishings and appliances. Place near a window for maximum results. The weeping fig, however, is toxic to cats and dogs.
lavender
You only have to breathe in a noseful of this plant to experience its instant calming effect. The herb’s earthy, sweet smell can help you mellow after a busy day and, by nightfall, usher you into a solid slumber. Adept at purifying the air by reducing CO2 levels, lavender’s fragrant scent is brilliant for neutralising bad smells. The presence of lavender is also known to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
Main image by Jay Wennington
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