Contrary to conventional wisdom, experts now suggest that making your bed immediately upon waking may not be the best practice for your health, especially in the first 30 minutes of your day. Martin Seeley, a sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay in the UK, explains that one reason to skip bed-making is related to dust mites. These microscopic arachnids thrive in warm, humid environments, and the average person has about 1.5 million of them in their bed, producing fecal matter that can be a health concern.
Making your bed right away can create unventilated bedding, which enhances conditions for dust mites. Sweating during the night adds moisture and heat to your bedding and mattress, promoting an ideal environment for these pests. By delaying bed-making for at least 30 minutes, you allow better ventilation, which helps disperse moisture and reduce overall humidity in your bed, thus making it less inviting to dust mites.
Natural sunlight also plays a role in preventing dust mite accumulation. Leaving your bed unmade for a while exposes your bedding to natural sunlight, which has disinfectant properties and can help kill bacteria and mites, reducing potential health risks.
This practice may be particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma and allergies, who are most at risk from dust mite exposure. Dust mites produce proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, itching, congestion, and asthma attacks. People with these conditions may find that allowing their beds to breathe in the morning is a simple yet effective way to promote a healthier sleeping environment. Nevertheless, maintaining a clean bedding environment through regular washing, using allergen-proof covers, vacuuming, and using hypoallergenic bedding materials remains crucial in managing dust mite exposure.
