03 March 2024 , 10:00
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Sleep deprived Brits are being urged to place an aloe vera plant in their bedroom, as it can reportedly help insomnia and provide a restful place to unwind.
This comes as more than half of UK adults are not getting enough shut-eye, while 14 percent survive on less than five hours of sleep, alarming research has shown. Insomnia is believed to affect one in three people, which can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
With houseplant sales more than doubling since 2019, plant expert Tiffany Dent has highlighted the sleep benefits of storing aloe vera in your bedroom. The soothing plant has gained popularity for its healing properties that are commonly used to treat wounds, scars, burns and acne - but Tiffany explains the benefits reach far beyond the surface of your skin.
The green-fingered guru, from Wecandoo and Archway Planter, said: "If you need to catch up on some lost Zz's, simply pop an aloe vera plant somewhere in your bedroom where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight. Your aloe vera plant will remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide and throughout the night it will continue to take in the carbon dioxide you breathe out and emit oxygen into the air.
"If you suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea then aloe vera is a fantastic choice of houseplant to ensure the air you breathe overnight is as clean as can be. They are also incredibly easy to grow, so you could soon fill your home with these fabulous air-purifying plants or even gift them to friends and family who need to catch up on some shut-eye."
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This advice has been backed by NASA, who have said that aloe vera is one of the best air purifying plants on the market as it continuously releases oxygen throughout the night while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide. According to the Sleep Foundation, normal oxygen levels during rest range from 96 to 100 percent, but sleep apnea and respiratory disorders can impact oxygen saturation and disrupt the sleep cycle.
Mattress store Simba explains: "As the sun goes down, aloe vera begins emitting oxygen - and the more oxygen in the air, the easier time you’ll have drifting off. This has increased benefits for those suffering with sleep conditions such as sleep apnea."
The handy plant can be bagged for as little as £2.99 from Lidl or £6.50 from B&Q. Tiffany has also revealed the other houseplants that can improve your wellbeing and keep your home looking fabulous. These include:
- Spider plant - Removes harmful allergens and toxins from the air within your home. In fact, a the NASA study found that spider plants can remove up to 95 percent of harmful air pollutants
- Snake plant - Effective air purifier and removes toxins such as formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene
- Peace lily - This low maintenance plant is fantastic for purifying the air and can absorb a number of harmful substances including benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. It also thrives in humid conditions and can actually absorb the excess moisture in the air keeping your home free from unwanted spores
- Aspidistra elatior - This has a reputation for being a hard to kill plant which can withstand a lot of growing conditions that a lot of other houseplants wouldn’t do so well in.