Do you immediately tidy up the bed by folding the sheets when you wake up? According to experts, this neat action can be harmful to you, especially to your skin. Tidying up right after waking up may make you feel more comfortable in the room, but it is an unhealthy habit. Experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before doing so. Martin Seeley, a sleep expert and CEO of a mattress company based in the UK, states that it is an unhealthy habit because it accumulates dust mites, tiny insects that feed on dead skin cells. He says, “Contrary to popular belief, an unmade bed is less likely to harbor dust mites. These tiny creatures can cause a range of health issues, including asthma and allergies.”
Making the bed and folding the sheets immediately will prevent them from being ventilated and is a risk for dust mites to hide and multiply in the mattress. They thrive best in humid and warm environments. Therefore, when you roll up the sheets right away, you create better conditions for them to inhabit.
We also tend to sweat and produce oil when sleeping, which makes the sheets damp. So, if you fold them immediately after waking up, they won’t dry and ventilate as well as if you just leave them and fold them later.
Therefore, you should take note:
Folding the sheets early increases humidity and promotes dust mite growth. They are the cause of rashes, allergies, and deteriorating skin due to the higher chance of bacterial and viral infection on the skin after sleeping.
Therefore, it’s best to delay the act of folding the sheets and immediately open the room door to let in fresh air and, if possible, sunlight.
Allowing sunlight to enter the room helps reduce humidity and kills dust mites. Then, you can fold the sheets.
Dust mites thrive at temperatures around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Thus, you should avoid keeping the temperature too low. Lay the sheets and blankets on the mattress before sleeping for at least 30 minutes, and in the morning, have the room door open for about 30 minutes or more before folding them.
Additionally, it is advisable to regularly wash and air dry the sheets and blankets to prevent them from causing harm to your skin.
When sleeping, maintain a moderate temperature and avoid excessive coldness, as it can also harm your hair. Pillows should have their inner filling replaced regularly, especially if you sweat frequently. Mattresses are also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, so you need to air them, dry them, and keep them clean.
Furthermore, you should also pay attention to whether there are small dust particles coming out of your sheets and pillows. These small dust particles can clog your pores.
