It might sound like something your grandmother would suggest — placing a few slices of fresh lemon by your bedside before sleep. At first, it feels almost too simple, even a little strange. But more and more people are swearing by this old-world habit. And once you understand the benefits, you might just start keeping a lemon bowl next to your reading lamp too.

This isn’t just about making your room smell nice. The humble lemon offers an impressive range of natural benefits — from purifying the air and soothing your breathing to easing anxiety and even keeping pesky bugs away. For older adults especially, this gentle ritual offers a quiet kind of comfort: a no-fuss, low-cost way to breathe easier, rest deeper, and wake up feeling just a little more refreshed.

Here’s what happens when you let a lemon do the night shift — and how to try it for yourself.