Do you toss and turn at night, struggling to get quality sleep? The air in your bedroom might be partly to blame. While most of us focus on comfortable mattresses and calming bedtime routines, we often overlook the quality of the air we breathe during those crucial 7-8 hours of rest.Poor bedroom air with low oxygen levels can disrupt sleep cycles and leave you feeling restless. Fortunately, nature offers a simple solution—houseplants that work the night shift, producing oxygen and purifying the air while you sleep.
How Plants Produce Oxygen at Night
Most plants release oxygen during daylight hours through photosynthesis and switch to respiration at night, actually consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide—just like humans. However, some special plants have evolved a different process.
Certain plants—primarily succulents and cacti from arid regions—use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis. These clever plants open their leaf pores (stomata) at night to absorb carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss, storing it as organic acid. During the day, they use this stored carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, releasing oxygen.
While the science has some nuances about when exactly oxygen is released, these plants contribute to better air quality throughout the night. It’s worth noting that a few houseplants won’t dramatically increase oxygen levels in your bedroom, but combined with their air-purifying abilities, they can create a healthier sleep environment.
Top Plants for Nighttime Oxygen Production
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Profile: Also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this popular houseplant features upright, sword-shaped leaves with striking patterns.
Sleep Benefits: The Snake Plant is a champion nighttime oxygen producer and an excellent choice for improving sleep quality.
Air Purification: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from indoor air, as confirmed by NASA’s Clean Air Study.
Care Guide:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light
- Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Low maintenance—perfect for beginners
Considerations: Mildly toxic if ingested by pets or children, so place accordingly.
2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) 
Living Aloe Vera Plant [click to view…]
Profile: This well-known succulent with thick, fleshy leaves isn’t just for soothing burns—it’s a sleep-enhancing powerhouse.
Sleep Benefits: Releases oxygen at night and may have calming properties that contribute to better sleep.
Air Purification: Effectively removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Care Guide:
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Water sparingly, letting soil dry between waterings
- Use well-draining potting mix
- Keep in low to moderate humidity
Considerations: While generally safe, some people may experience skin irritation. The medicinal properties for minor burns and skin irritations are an added bonus.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Profile: Featuring long, arching leaves often with white or yellow stripes, Spider Plants produce “spiderettes” that can be easily propagated.
Sleep Benefits: Another excellent choice for boosting nighttime oxygen levels.
Air Purification: Removes carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Care Guide:
- Adapts to bright, moderate, or low indirect light
- Water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Prefers evenly moist soil and average humidity
- Highly resilient—perfect for beginners
Considerations: Generally non-toxic to pets, making them family-friendly choices.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
peace lily plant [click to view…]
Profile: An elegant plant with glossy, dark green leaves and striking white, flower-like spathes.
Sleep Benefits: Releases oxygen at night and increases bedroom humidity, potentially creating a more comfortable sleep environment.
Air Purification: Filters ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide.
Care Guide:
- Prefers low to bright indirect light
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Thrives in high humidity environments
- Droops when thirsty, making it easy to know when to water
Considerations: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested, and potentially allergenic for some people.
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Profile: Features feathery, arching fronds that bring tropical elegance to any space.
Sleep Benefits: Produces oxygen at night and increases humidity, helping those with sinus issues or in dry environments.
Air Purification: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene from the air.
Care Guide:
- Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight
- Water regularly, allowing top inch to dry between waterings
- Prefers well-draining soil and high humidity
- Acts as a natural humidifier
Considerations: Generally non-toxic to pets, though ingestion might cause mild stomach upset.
Other Notable Oxygen-Producing Plants
Gerbera Daisy [click to view…]
- Money Plant/Pothos: Easy to care for, but toxic to pets if ingested
- Philodendron: Removes formaldehyde and benzene, toxic to pets
- Gerbera Daisy: Cheerful flowers that release oxygen at night and thrive in bright light
- Orchids: Some varieties produce oxygen at night while adding elegance to your space
Beyond Oxygen: Air-Purifying Benefits
These plants don’t just produce oxygen—they’re also effective air purifiers that remove common indoor pollutants:
This air purification can help reduce allergy symptoms and improve overall well-being. Some plants, particularly the Areca Palm, also act as natural humidifiers, which can alleviate respiratory issues and promote better sleep.
Optimizing Bedroom Air Quality with Plants
To maximize the benefits of plants in your bedroom:
- Include multiple plants—aim for 2-3 for an average-sized bedroom
- Place plants closer to your bed for more localized benefits
- Combine night-oxygen producers with day-active plants for 24-hour air quality
- Maintain proper ventilation for overall air circulation
- Keep plants healthy through proper care
Caring for Your Nighttime Oxygen Producers
Healthy plants are more effective at producing oxygen and purifying air. Follow these general care tips:
- Follow specific light, water, and soil requirements for each plant
- Dust leaves regularly to maintain efficient photosynthesis
- Watch your watering habits—both overwatering and underwatering reduce effectiveness
- Monitor for pests and address issues promptly
- Repot when necessary to maintain plant health
Important Considerations
Potential Allergies: Some plants, like Peace Lilies, might trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consider non-flowering varieties if you have allergies.
Toxicity Concerns:
- Snake Plant: Mildly toxic to pets
- Aloe Vera: Potentially irritating to some individuals
- Peace Lily: Toxic to both pets and humans if ingested
- Spider Plant: Generally non-toxic
- Areca Palm: Generally non-toxic, though ingestion might cause mild stomach upset
Always place potentially toxic plants out of reach of curious pets and children.
Creating Your Sleep Sanctuary with Plants
Incorporating these oxygen-producing plants into your bedroom creates a healthier, more restful sleep environment. By selecting plants that match your lifestyle and bedroom conditions, you’ll harness nature’s power to enhance your sleep quality.
While the oxygen boost from a few plants won’t be dramatic, the combined benefits of improved air quality, toxin removal, and increased humidity can contribute significantly to better sleep. Consider these natural options as part of a holistic approach to sleep hygiene.
Start with one or two easy-care options like Snake Plant or Spider Plant if you’re new to houseplants. As you gain confidence, you might expand your indoor garden to include more varieties, creating a lush, oxygen-rich sanctuary where you can truly rest and rejuvenate.
Which of these natural sleep aids will you add to your bedroom tonight?
Dora Decora is a biophilic interior design specialist and passionate blogger. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into living spaces, Dora specializes in creating environments that foster human-nature connections through thoughtful design elements. Her approach emphasizes sustainable materials, natural lighting, and organic patterns that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact.
This post (https://homechroma.com/sleep-better-with-top-plants-for-nighttime-oxygen-production) was originally published by Dora Decora on Home Chroma. As an Amazon Associates partner, we are compensated for all qualifying purchases.
