North Dakota’s harsh winters can leave our bedrooms dry and stuffy, making quality sleep hard to come by. Adding a small plant to your nightstand might be just what you need to transform your sleep environment naturally. These green companions not only purify the air but can also promote relaxation after those long prairie days.
Many folks don’t realize that certain plants actually release oxygen at night, unlike most that only do so during daylight hours. This nighttime oxygen boost can be especially welcome in North Dakota homes where windows stay sealed against bitter cold for months at a time.
The dry indoor heat we crank up during those famous North Dakota blizzards can wreak havoc on our sinuses and skin while we sleep. Fortunately, the right bedside plants add moisture to the air and some even release calming scents that signal to your body it’s time to rest.
1. Lavender
The sweet scent of lavender has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, setting you up for deep sleep. During North Dakota’s tense winter months, this purple beauty can be a game-changer for your bedtime routine.
Growing lavender indoors requires a sunny window during the day, but it thrives on a nightstand overnight. Just brush your fingers across the leaves before bed to release its natural sleep-inducing fragrance.
2. Snake Plant
Practically indestructible, snake plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night – exactly when you need it most. Their tall, striking leaves add a modern touch to any bedroom while silently cleaning your air.
Even with North Dakota’s limited winter sunlight, these resilient plants thrive with minimal care. My snake plant survived three weeks without water when I traveled last January – a true testament to its hardy nature.
3. Aloe Vera
Beyond its well-known skin-healing properties, aloe vera releases oxygen throughout the night while absorbing carbon dioxide. The gel inside those thick leaves isn’t just for sunburns – it’s an indicator of how well the plant is filtering your bedroom air.
North Dakota’s winter heating systems can dry out your skin and respiratory system. Having aloe nearby provides both emergency skin relief and improved air quality during those long, dry nights.
4. English Ivy
Research from NASA found English ivy removes airborne mold particles, making it perfect for North Dakota homes where winter dampness can hide in corners. Its trailing vines look charming draped from a nightstand or small shelf.
Allergy sufferers take note – this plant reduces airborne fecal matter particles by 94%. While that sounds unpleasant, it’s actually common in indoor environments and can disturb sleep quality. A small ivy plant makes breathing easier all night long.
5. Peace Lily
Peace lilies excel at removing airborne toxins while adding much-needed humidity to dry North Dakota bedrooms. Their elegant white blooms seem to glow in moonlight, creating a serene nighttime atmosphere.
My grandmother swore by keeping peace lilies in every bedroom of her Bismarck home. She claimed they helped her breathe better during winter nights when the furnace ran constantly. Modern research confirms her wisdom – these plants increase room humidity by up to 5%.
6. Jasmine
Studies show jasmine’s sweet fragrance can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels better than many lavender varieties. The scent actually changes brain activity patterns, promoting more restful sleep cycles throughout the night.
During North Dakota’s endless winter nights, jasmine’s small white flowers bring a touch of springtime promise. Place it where moonlight can reach the plant – the gentle illumination of its pale blooms creates a naturally calming nightlight effect.
7. Spider Plant
Spider plants aren’t just easy to grow – they’re champion air purifiers that remove formaldehyde and xylene from your bedroom air. Those chemicals hide in furniture, carpet, and household products, potentially disrupting your sleep patterns.
The arching leaves of spider plants add a soft, organic touch to stark North Dakota winter bedrooms. Their dangling “babies” create visual interest without demanding much attention. I keep mine on a small stand next to my nightstand for maximum air-cleaning benefits.
8. Valerian
Ancient Romans recognized valerian’s sleep-inducing properties centuries ago. The roots produce compounds similar to modern sleep medications, but the plant’s fragrant flowers provide benefits simply through their scent.
When summer finally arrives in North Dakota, you can transplant valerian outdoors, then bring a small cutting back inside for winter. Its tiny pink or white blooms release a subtle fragrance that triggers your brain’s relaxation response – nature’s perfect sleep aid.
9. Golden Pothos
Golden pothos removes carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from your bedroom while requiring almost zero maintenance. Its trailing vines with variegated leaves add a touch of nature’s artistry to stark winter bedrooms.
During North Dakota’s long, dark winters, this plant’s golden-streaked leaves seem to capture and hold sunlight. Even on the shortest December days, pothos maintains its cheerful appearance with minimal care, thriving in the indirect light of most bedrooms.
10. Gardenia
Research shows gardenia fragrance can be as effective as prescription sleeping pills for some people with mild insomnia. The plant’s glossy leaves and creamy white flowers bring sophisticated beauty to your nightstand.
Gardenias require more humidity than North Dakota naturally provides, so placing a small water tray nearby helps. The extra moisture benefits both the plant and your respiratory system during dry winter nights. Their sweet scent works on your brain similar to Valium – but without the prescription.
11. Rosemary
Beyond its culinary uses, rosemary improves air quality and memory function. Studies show its scent can reduce cortisol levels, helping your body transition to sleep mode more easily after stressful days.
North Dakota winters give indoor rosemary plenty of time to grow into an aromatic bedside companion. Brush your fingers across the needles before bedtime to release its calming scent. As a bonus, you’ll always have fresh herbs for weekend cooking – a small touch of garden-to-table luxury even in January.
12. Chamomile
Everyone knows chamomile tea promotes sleep, but the living plant offers similar benefits. Its daisy-like flowers release compounds that reduce stress and promote relaxation just by being nearby.
Growing chamomile indoors during North Dakota winters provides both visual cheer and sleep benefits. The plant’s apple-like scent subtly fills your bedroom, creating an atmosphere of calm. When summer arrives, you can harvest the flowers for fresh tea – the ultimate farm-to-cup experience.
13. Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms add tropical moisture to dry North Dakota bedrooms while filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. These chemicals, common in household products, can interfere with sleep quality when they accumulate indoors.
A small bamboo palm brings a touch of vacation vibes to frozen winter nights. The gentle rustling of its leaves creates white noise similar to rainfall – a natural sound machine for better sleep. Just keep it slightly damp, and it will reward you with cleaner bedroom air.
14. Gerbera Daisy
Cheerful gerbera daisies do more than brighten your mood – they release oxygen throughout the night while removing benzene and trichloroethylene from your bedroom air. Their vibrant blooms provide a welcome splash of color during monotonous winter months.
Unlike most flowering plants, gerberas can thrive on a North Dakota bedroom nightstand with proper care. Their air-purifying abilities were confirmed by NASA studies, making them as practical as they are pretty. Just one plant can significantly improve your bedroom’s air quality.
15. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm contains natural compounds that reduce anxiety and promote deeper sleep. Its gentle citrus scent creates a clean, fresh bedroom atmosphere without overwhelming your senses.
During North Dakota’s winter months, lemon balm reminds us that spring will eventually return. Crushing a leaf between your fingers releases its calming aroma – a simple bedtime ritual that signals your body it’s time to rest. The plant thrives in typical bedroom temperatures with minimal care.
16. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are natural humidifiers, adding moisture to dry North Dakota bedroom air while filtering out toxins. Their feathery fronds create a soothing visual element that promotes relaxation at bedtime.
The extra humidity from a Boston fern can prevent dry skin, scratchy throats, and static electricity – common winter bedroom complaints in our state. Keep the soil consistently moist, and this plant will reward you with cleaner, more comfortable air all night long.
17. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants excel at removing airborne chemicals and increasing oxygen levels. Their glossy leaves add a touch of sophisticated greenery to your nightstand while silently improving your sleep environment.
These resilient plants handle North Dakota’s indoor winter conditions beautifully. Their thick, leathery leaves retain moisture, helping them thrive with minimal attention. A small rubber plant in a decorative pot brings both aesthetic appeal and practical health benefits to your bedside.
18. Mint
The refreshing scent of mint naturally opens airways, making breathing easier throughout the night. This benefit is especially valuable during North Dakota winters when stuffy bedrooms can disrupt sleep patterns.
A small pot of mint on your nightstand provides both aromatherapy and emergency tea supplies. The plant grows enthusiastically indoors, rewarding minimal care with abundant leaves. Simply brushing your hand across the plant before bed releases its respiratory-clearing compounds.