Buzz
Despite what you’ve likely been told by the adults around you growing up (and maybe even by us!), it turns out you don’t have to immediately make your bed when you get up. In fact, science suggests that this morning ritual may not be the best idea, and the reason is simple: dust mites.
It turns out that dust mites, tiny insect-like creatures that feast on dead skin cells, absolutely love hiding out in your bed linens. Research has shown that they thrive in warm, moist environments. And after a sweaty night of sleep, what do you get? Bedding that’s the perfect damp paradise for those unwelcome bugs. So, many experts recommend letting your sheets breathe a little before making your bed.
Fresh Splash/Getty ImagesMartin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, with almost 40 years of expertise in mattress and sleep science, states, “Considering that the average person sweats around 500 milliliters each night, it’s no surprise that your bed is the perfect environment for dust mites first thing in the morning. That’s why experts recommend leaving your bed for at least 30 minutes to allow for better air circulation, which helps reduce moisture and lowers the humidity in your bedding.”
So, it might not hurt to pull back the sheets for a bit to let all that sweat (which equals roughly 2 cups!) evaporate. Seeley’s advice isn’t unfounded either—a British study from 2006 suggests this could help tackle dust mites. Who knew procrastinating on making your bed might actually be good for you!
Just to clarify, dust mites don’t directly harm us, but they do worsen allergy symptoms, especially for people with asthma. The American Lung Association explains that it’s the dust mite waste (feces, urine, etc.) that triggers reactions like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing—these “remnants” settle into fabrics like bedding, and we inhale them.
Even if you aren’t particularly sensitive to dust mites, it could still be a good idea to let your sheets air out for a while after you wake up. In general, it’s unwise to trap moisture in textiles (or most environments) since it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Yuck.
Of course, we understand that for some, making the bed immediately is an essential start to the day—almost non-negotiable. If you can sleep without issue, then feel free to keep this habit. However, if you’re experiencing allergy-related discomfort while in bed, it might be worth trying this new routine. And remember, good sleep practices should still be followed, such as washing your sheets regularly and using a mattress protector. Procrastinators, unite!
