By Jenna Lebovits
Everyone knows just how important sleep is—perhaps thanks to the all-too-familiar crankiness when you don’t quite get enough. More than mere rest, it’s when our bodies rejuvenate and repair on a deeper level. The quality of our sleep matters, and is connected to our surrounding environment—especially the bedroom, where we spend an average of 26 years, or one-third of our lives asleep. Low-quality indoor air—often containing hidden pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, mold and other chemicals—can contribute to sleep disturbances and even trigger negative respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.
To enhance the air quality in your home, consider bringing nature indoors by incorporating purifying plants like ferns, snake plants and peace lilies. These natural cleansers can help mitigate airborne toxins and create a fresher space (they’re also stress-reducing). Each night, promote restorative rest while minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure by opting for organic sheets and pillowcases made from sustainable, natural materials including flax linen, cotton and bamboo. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, a petroleum-derived plastic, are less comfortable and breathable, and come with a heavier environmental toll.
Nearby, in the bathroom, experts recommend reaching for an eco-friendly, plant-based cleaner (or concoct your own with ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil). Consider swapping out conventional cleaning products, which, when used regularly, can disrupt the endocrine system and throw off hormonal balance. VOCs and other chemicals present in many household cleaning supplies and air fresheners can also trigger chronic respiratory issues, allergic reactions and headaches. To maintain the purest bed and bath and improve indoor air quality, aerate and declutter your space often, rearrange furniture and consider making these ten swaps for a cleaner home:
Linen—a natural insulator due to its hollow, breathable fibers—effortlessly moves air and moisture, making it a naturally thermoregulating material, perfect for hot sleepers. Woven from soft, 100 percent European flax ethically sourced from France, this OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified linen bed bundle allows you to breathe easy while you sleep comfortably, free from chemicals. Linen bundle, from $387, pigletinbed.com
Although classic memory foam mattress toppers are generally considered safe, they may pose a risk to certain people, including those living with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions. Sensitive individuals may want to opt for a hypoallergenic option such as a fluffy down alternative. Produced with zero toxins or GMOs and artfully woven to produce over 2 inches of plush and breathable cloudlike cover, every Fiberbed mattress topper by Boll & Branch is filled with allergy-friendly, PrimaLoft Luxury Down Alternative, a premium downlike fiber. Cloud cover fiberbed, from $329, bollandbranch.com
Like all of Birch’s Earth-friendly products, this GOTS- and eco-INSTITUT-certified pillow is a clean and natural choice that’s as good for you as it is for the planet. Recognized as a leader in the sustainable home space, Birch is committed to the highest testing standards and ethical sourcing of its materials. This plush, breathable pillow keeps you cool all night long with cruelty-free wool, natural Talalay latex and a 100 percent organic cotton cover. Organic pillow, $149, birchliving.com
Your bedside sleep guide—the Restore 2 sunrise alarm-sound machine hybrid helps you rest the way nature intended, phone-free. Wake up to the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls or forest birds, or opt for a gentle light that mimics natural sunlight and supports the body’s innate circadian rhythm. Curate a dreamy mood in the bedroom with warm white or lilac light to help elicit the body’s natural sleep response. Restore 2, $170, hatch.co
Chic and minimalist, this ultrasonic diffuser set safely scents your bed and bath with 100 percent natural, mood-boosting essential oils, free from artificial fragrances. The diffuser—which doubles as decor—could easily be mistaken for a flower vase and utilizes ceramic stone and a BPA-free plastic water reservoir. Use from morning to evening, with convenient nine-hour continuous scenting and automatic shutoff when the water runs out. The starter kit contains the ultrasonic essential oil diffuser and The Quietude, a custom therapeutic blend formulated with myrrh, palmarosa, rose geranium and clary sage to relieve anxiety, calm the nervous system, ground the body and mind, and help you wind down after a long day. Biscuit diffuser and the quietude, $135, appellation.co
Thanks to their warm glow and therapeutic scents, candles tend to have a universally calming effect on the mind and body. However, many on the market today are chock-full of synthetic fragrances and phthalates, which are tied to hormone disruption and respiratory issues. Instead, set the mood with a nontoxic blend of coconut-soy wax and the grounding aroma of sustainably sourced Palo Santo—a sacred wood known for its cleansing properties. Free from synthetic fragrances and paraffin, and crafted with over 12 essential oils and botanical extracts, this clean-burning candle will elevate all of your evening rituals. Palo Santo candle, from $60, wndrmade.com
Slip into effortless luxury with naturally breathable, antibacterial and chemical-free sleepwear. Crafted from GOTS-certified organic mulberry silk, this hypoallergenic, skin-friendly material regulates body temperature and helps preserve skin hydration while you catch some Z’s. 22mm gold piping silk pajama set, $220, lilysilk.com
Purify the air in your bedroom and beyond with top-tier, patented PECO technology from Molekule. The Air Pro quietly destroys airborne pollutants including allergens, viruses, mold, VOCs, toxic gases and more at a molecular level, cleaning up to 1,000 square feet with a True HEPA 99.97 percent particle-capture efficiency rate. Equipped with smart features including Auto Protect mode, Alexa compatibility and accurate filter tracking, the FDA-cleared device is modern, sleek and highly efficient. Air Pro, $1,014, molekule.com
The perfect balance of form and function, these uniquely woven, soft and durable towels are quick-drying, highly absorbent and made from 100 percent organic long-staple GOTS-certified Turkish cotton. As leaders in the well-minded home space, Quince is committed to quality and high standards of ethical, eco-friendly manufacturing practices and producing chemical-free products. Organic turkish waffle bath sheet bundle, $156, quince.com
Say goodbye to pesky and harmful VOCs and transform your home into a clean, serene sanctuary with a high-powered, plant-based cleaning set by Common Good. Each nontoxic cleaner is scented with 100 percent pure essential oils and free from endocrine-disrupting dyes, parabens and phthalates. The screen-printed glass bottles come with a convenient, eco-friendly refill. Bed and bathroom set, $89, commongood.com