Most people are taught to make their bed after waking up and before beginning their day. However, scientists are now claiming that this daily practice is actually very unhealthy.
It all comes down to the millions of unseen dust mites that live in our beds. The bizarre, alien looking critters feed on the dead skin flakes that fall off our bodies and into our beds. This makes mattresses, blankets, sheets, pillows and anything else on your bed, the perfect breeding ground for the microscopic creatures. When we sleep for long hours in bed, our bedding takes up moisture from the prolonged body contact which allows the dust mites to survive and reproduce.
Scientists are now recommending an easy and effective way to cut down on the number of dust mites in your bed; simply leave it unmade. Dr. Stephen Pretlove spoke to the BBC and explained: “We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body. Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die.”
Less dust mites can lead to better health since they often cause allergies and asthma from which many people suffer nowadays. Plus, who wants to share their bed, a place of coziness and warmth, with millions of freaky little bugs?
Next time you wake up, skip making the bed and save yourself an extra minute. There is nothing to lose and potentially lots to gain by doing so, because you can only end up healthier, and thus happier. Please share this with others so they can learn about the science and benefits of an unmade bed!
It all comes down to the millions of unseen dust mites that live in our beds. The bizarre, alien looking critters feed on the dead skin flakes that fall off our bodies and into our beds. This makes mattresses, blankets, sheets, pillows and anything else on your bed, the perfect breeding ground for the microscopic creatures. When we sleep for long hours in bed, our bedding takes up moisture from the prolonged body contact which allows the dust mites to survive and reproduce.
Scientists are now recommending an easy and effective way to cut down on the number of dust mites in your bed; simply leave it unmade. Dr. Stephen Pretlove spoke to the BBC and explained: “We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body. Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die.”
Less dust mites can lead to better health since they often cause allergies and asthma from which many people suffer nowadays. Plus, who wants to share their bed, a place of coziness and warmth, with millions of freaky little bugs?
Next time you wake up, skip making the bed and save yourself an extra minute. There is nothing to lose and potentially lots to gain by doing so, because you can only end up healthier, and thus happier. Please share this with others so they can learn about the science and benefits of an unmade bed!
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Health