Here’s Why You Should Leave Your Bed Unmade in the Morning
We’ve all heard the mantra, “Make your bed first thing in the morning.” It’s associated with orderliness, a sense of accomplishment, and good habits. However, the wisdom of this age-old practice might surprise you. Emerging research suggests that an unmade bed could offer benefits for your health and the longevity of your bedding.
Creates a Less Hospitable Environment for Dust Mites
Let’s get a little uncomfortable for a moment. Your cozy bed isn’t as pristine as you’d like to think. In fact, it harbors a vast ecosystem of microscopic dust mites. These creatures thrive in warm, moist environments – that perfect mix is created inside your sheets and mattress while you sleep.
Here’s why making your bed immediately can backfire: as soon as you get out of bed and pull the covers up, you trap moisture within the layers. This creates a humid paradise for dust mites to flourish. The longer your bed remains neatly made, the better the environment becomes for your microscopic roommates.
Battling the Bedroom Bugs
So, how do you put a dent in the dust mite population? Exposing your sheets and mattress to air and light creates a less hospitable environment. That’s why leaving your bed unmade for a period in the morning is a simple and effective strategy. Here’s what happens:
- Evaporation: Any moisture built up from sweat during the night has a chance to dry. Without that dampness, the environment becomes less suitable for dust mites.
- Sunshine: If possible, opening your blinds to let light into the room adds further dust mite deterrents. UV light can break down their allergens and even kill some of them off.
Dust Mites and Your Heath
Why worry about these critters in the first place? While dust mites themselves are harmless, their droppings and body fragments contain allergens that irritate many people. Consider how these may impact your well-being:
- Allergies: You might have sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes – especially at night or in the morning.
- Asthma: Dust mite allergens are a common trigger for asthma attacks, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Eczema: This chronic skin condition, known for redness and itching, may worsen due to the inflammation caused by dust mite allergens.
Allows Your Bed to Air Out
After sleeping for hours, your body heat and sweat create moisture that gets trapped in your bedding and mattress. By not making your bed immediately, you allow this moisture to evaporate naturally. This airing out process helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can cause unpleasant odors and contribute to health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Moreover, letting your bed breathe by leaving it unmade can result in a fresher and more comfortable sleeping environment. You might even notice that your sheets feel cooler and more inviting when it’s time to tuck in for the night.
Practical Tips for a Healthy Bed Routine
So, should you make your bed at all? Absolutely, just not within minutes of waking up. Implement these simple guidelines:
- Flip back the Covers: Upon waking, throw back your covers to expose the sheet and mattress to air.
- Open the Windows: Increased airflow in your room aids the drying process even further. Fresh air also adds a pleasant smell and feel to your sleeping space.
- Time: Ideally, you’ll give your bed an hour or two to air out. That might not always be possible, but even giving it some time while you have breakfast or get ready in the morning makes a difference.
- Make Your Bed: Once you’ve let your bed breathe, feel free to tidy up, knowing you’ve done your part to create unfavorable conditions for the little critters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it necessary to leave my bed unmade EVERY day? A: While every day is perfect, consistency is key. If you forget in the rush of a particular morning, it’s no disaster, but do establish it as your standard practice.
Q: I like the look of a made bed. Does this mean my room always has to be untidy? A: Not at all! Simply delay the process of making the bed. Perhaps after you have completed your morning prep, the room will gain that orderly feel you prefer.
Q: Are dust mites my only concern? A: Dust mites are a large component of potential problems, but an unmade bed also discourages bacteria and reduces sweat residue that can build up over time.
