Neglecting to make the bed can be detrimental for several reasons:

Not So Fast! The Justification for Leaving Your Bed Unmade

• By Tina Pokern
  • 3 Min

Persistent Bedbug Infestations: The Negative Implications of Leaving Your Bed Untidy - Neglecting to make the bed can be detrimental for several reasons:

While some of us staunchly believe that making the bed is an essential part of our morning routine, others see it as a waste of time. But, have we ever considered the hygienic aspects of our choice? As it turns out, leaving your bed unmade might be the way to go.

You produce about a liter of fluids every night - sleeping, sweating, sniffling, and everything in between. Like a petri dish in the dark, the warmth and humidity beneath the covers offer ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and pests.

Researchers from the University of Manchester took an extensive look at synthetic and feather pillows, aged one and a half to 20 years, for potential fungal contamination. The result? A pillow hosts as many as 16 different types of mold.

Dust Mites, Your Cozy Companions

Creeping under the radar at just a fraction of a millimeter, unseen to the naked eye, are dust mites that dine on your skin scales and hair. A study by London researchers at Winston University found around 1.5 million of these blood-sucking parasites in a bed. Injection of horror for some, humor for others, according to Canadian doctors Robert Patterson and Christopher Steward-Patterson in their article published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal." They compare the weight of a down-filled comforter to nearly half being made up of dead dust mites and their droppings.

The presence of this microscopic surface zoo not only poses hygiene concerns but also can lead to diseases, including allergies, asthma, and conditions similar to "bedmaker's lung." The latter is a form of inflammation in and around the tiny lung alveoli and smallest airways, prevalent among chambermaids.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Patterson and Steward-Patterson suggest an intelligent solution to saving time: abandoning the task of making the bed entirely. They point out that it takes 5 minutes to make it but also accounts for 10 minutes of arguing about whose turn it is, amounting to 9 months over a lifetime.

Officially making the bed maintains a humid and dark environment that dust mites love. To alleviate this issue, they recommend leaving the bed unmade; allowing fresh air to reduce the moisture and warm conditions. Bonus points if you can leave the bed to air out in a well-ventilated space.

For those who still esteem the tradition of tucking in their neat, tidy sheets, it's crucial to consider the implications. Dust mite allergens are redistributed during the process, and improper air circulation worsens the issue, particularly when the area under the bed is cluttered. To mitigate this, allow the bedding to air out in the morning, in a well-ventilated space, or hang it outside the window, as was the old-fashioned method. Regular airing cannot replace the need for washing bedding regularly, and follow the rule of thumb: change the bedding once a week and wash it at a minimum of 60°C.

Sources:

• Kingston University London
• NIH
• Mushroom Study

Key Terms:

1. Bed
2. Dust mite
3. Hygiene

Insights:

• Dust mites primarily feed on human skin scales and hair, and allergies to their feces, abandoned skin, and dead bodies account for common asthma and allergy symptoms.
• Making the bed every day can spread dust mites and their allergens, and contribute to a moist, humid environment that further supports dust mite growth.
• Leaving the bed unmade promotes the evaporation of moisture and reduces the growth of dust mites.
• Allergic reactions to dust mites can cause sleep disruptions and aggravate asthma symptoms.
• Reducing a bed's humidity content below 50% can deter dust mite reproduction.
• Regularly vacuuming mattresses with HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water, and using allergen-proof covers can help control dust mite populations.

1. Other factors, such as bedding contamination, create a strong case for leaving the bed unmade, especially regarding health-and-wellness issues like sleep and allergies.
2. The existence of dust mites, tiny creatures that thrive on skin scales and hair, can be found in most beds, with some studies showing about 1.5 million of these contaminants in a single bed.
3. True science reveals that these microscopic creatures can lead to a variety of health issues, including diseases like allergies, asthma, and even a condition akin to "bedmaker's lung."
4. Leaving the bed unmade, which enhances air circulation and reduces moisture, can help prevent the growth of dust mites and associated health issues, as opposed to making the bed that can redistribute dust mite allergens.
5. For those who cherish the tradition of neatly made beds, proper airing, regular washing with hot water, and weekly changes are crucial steps in maintaining hygiene, as per hygiene and sleep-focused nutrition guidelines.

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