NASA Sleep Tips - Add Plants to Cleanse Bedroom Air
By Sandy Schroeder
Fighting sleeplessness has become a big deal for many people. If you are working on the issue, shutting down electronics before bedtime or drinking less caffeine, there’s another step to consider. The National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) scientists suggest you add live greenery to your bedroom.
Their Clean Air Study focused on finding houseplants that get rid of unhealthy toxins in indoor air. These plants may also help you fight off colds and feel less anxious as they cleanse the air.
Invisible chemicals from paint, plastics, plywood, paper goods and leather can dirty the air in your home. Plants can be a natural choice to fight these toxins.
The scientists also noted plants can add calmness to your sleep retreat. I get a mood lift, too, every time I walk through a plant nursery. See what plants attract you and pick the ones NASA recommended.
PET NOTE: If you have pets, some of these plants can be toxic to dogs and cats. Do the homework before you shop for your plants. You can look up each plant on ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List to make sure it is safe for your pet. If your cat is like mine, he or she will find a way to sniff, and taste anything and everything that comes in the door. Here are the NASA recommendations recently featured in EasyHealthOptions.com:
Aloe vera – You may know about Aloe vera’s healing properties, but it will also give off oxygen and pull benzene and formaldehyde out of the air.
Areca palm – This plant may help you breathe easier as it releases moisture into the air. It’s helpful for people who catch lots of colds or have ongoing sinus problems.
Dwarf date palm – If you suspect you have a black thumb that kills plants, this one may survive a little neglect, and scoop up airborne chemicals like xylene.
Boston fern – Ferns are my first choice for their beauty, but they are also rated very highly by NASA. They are exceptionally effective at getting rid of formaldehyde.
English ivy – This plant can get rid of 78 percent of airborne mold in 12 hours!
Spider plant – This plant multiplies easily. If you buy one today, in two days you will have 90 percent less toxins in the room air, according to NASA.
Peace lily – This stunning beauty pulls mold spores out of the air, cleaning air by 60 percent.
Chinese evergreen – This plant gets by with less light and removes more toxins the longer you keep it.
Weeping fig – This is another favorite of mine for its graceful beauty. It pulls formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene out of the air. All of those chemicals may be coming from your furniture or your carpet.
Lady palm – This plant is a powerhouse scooping up ammonia, toluene, formaldehyde and xylene.
Enjoy your visit to the plant nursery and the fresh clean bedroom air.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seal Beach, Calif.