MOST of us were taught as children to make our beds when we wake up each morning, and it’s usually associated with being tidy and organised.
But experts have revealed it could be causing more harm than good, as you could unknowingly be creating the perfect breeding ground for dust mites.
The experts at MattressNextDay warned that by making your bed as soon as you wake up creates the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive, as you trap in heat.
The mattress specialists warned: “Dust mites love the warmth of your bed, so in the morning, you should pull back your bed covers for 30 minutes and leave them to air and cool down, before you make your bed.”
The tiny critters, which are naked to the human eye, feed on flakes on skin which we shed throughout the day – and while we sleep.
They’re commonly found in furniture, carpets, bedding and even stuffed toys, and can cause itchy skin, a runny nose or watery eyes if you’re allergic.
They love places which are humid and between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America noting: “In a warm, humid house, dust mites can survive all year.”
As well as airing out your bed, the team also revealed moisturising straight before sleep is a big non-no.
Having a long soak and applying lotion is a ritual for some, but if you climb into bed too quickly your bedding ends up absorbing all the moisture instead.
In the morning, you should pull back your bed covers for 30 minutes
They explained: “There are things you can do to keep your bedding as fresh – such as not eating in bed, not allowing pets on your bed, and using skincare and body products at least 30 minutes before bed, so your skin absorbs them as opposed to your bedding.”
And they also dunked another sleep myth – wearing underwear in bed – with debate raging for decades over whether it’s hygienic or not.
“It’s safe to wear underwear to bed,” they confirmed.
Sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning’s tips for a good night’s kip
- Take a break and go outside at midday so your body knows to be sleepy eight hours later
- If you can't stay off your phone, keep it in a different room
- Use 'night mode' on your devices so blue light doesn't affect your circadian rhythm
- Don't work from bed
- Don't do exercise right before bed as it'll make your heart race and be harder to relax
- A glass of warm milk helps your body naturally produce melatonin which aids sleep
- Don't drink alcohol – it may help you 'pass out' but the quality of sleep is very poor
- Schedule some down-time before bed to do something relaxing – i.e. having a bath, reading, listening to music, yoga
But they added you should take extra steps if keeping your knickers on sleep, adding: “However, the NHS recommends that you wash your underwear at 60 degrees to prevent germs from spreading.
“Used pants can contain microbes which can cause urinary tract infections, thrush and more.
“You don’t want those kinds of microbes hanging around your beautiful bedding, do you?”
While a doctor reveals gross dust mite warning and says you must bin your pillow every two years.
Meanwhile, a cleaning fanatic reveals how to refresh your pillow WITHOUT having to wash it & fans are rushing to try it.
Plus this cleaning-mad mum reveals simple hack to get your whites sparkling in minutes.
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