Quality sleep is essential for healing, energy, and overall health — yet many people struggle to get the deep, restorative rest their bodies need. A recent article circulating online has sparked interest by claiming that a surprisingly simple change may significantly improve sleep quality.
According to the article, a NASA‑associated study observed that participants who slept with a single houseplant placed near their bed experienced up to a 37% improvement in deep sleep. Deep sleep (also called slow‑wave sleep) is the most restorative sleep phase, supporting tissue repair, immune function, and nervous system recovery.
While this newer claim has not yet been widely published in peer‑reviewed medical journals, it builds on earlier NASA research from the late 1980s that explored how certain houseplants can influence indoor air quality in controlled environments.
Researchers and clinicians suggest a few possible explanations:
Subtle air quality changes: Plants can slightly influence oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity, which may support more comfortable breathing during sleep.
Stress reduction: Exposure to greenery has been shown to calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote relaxation.
Psychological comfort: A more natural, soothing sleep environment may help the brain transition more easily into deeper sleep stages.
Plants commonly mentioned include low‑maintenance options like snake plants or peace lilies, which are easy to care for and well suited to indoor environments.
While environmental changes like adding a plant can be helpful, they often aren’t enough on their own — especially for people dealing with neck pain, back pain, or spinal discomfort.
Spinal pain can prevent the body from fully relaxing at night. Discomfort, muscle tension, and nerve irritation may repeatedly interrupt sleep cycles, keeping the nervous system in a state of alertness rather than true rest. Over time, poor sleep can actually worsen pain, creating a frustrating cycle.
At Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center, we regularly see patients whose sleep improves once spinal function is restored. Chiropractic care focuses on:
Improving spinal mobility
Reducing nerve irritation
Decreasing muscle tension
Supporting healthy nervous system function
When the spine is moving properly and the nervous system is calmer, many patients find it easier to fall asleep — and stay asleep.
Small lifestyle changes, like optimizing your sleep environment, can support better rest. But if pain is waking you up at night or preventing deep sleep altogether, addressing the underlying spinal issue is key.
If you’re searching for Delaware’s Best Chiropractor or a trusted Newark Chiropractor, the team at Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center is here to help you move better, feel better, and sleep better — naturally.
Better sleep starts with a healthier spine.
If chronic neck or back pain is interfering with your rest, contact Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center today at 302-368-1300 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward deeper, more restorative sleep, less pain, and a healthier spine.
