December 13, 2016
Making your bed – it’s a mundane morning ritual that a lot of people do without even second-guessing it. In fact, about 71 percent of Americans make their beds each morning, according to a poll done in 2011 by the National Sleep Foundation. Perhaps this is because it makes them feel as though they already accomplished something in the early morning, or maybe it’s because it makes their room look less cluttered.
It seems harmless enough, but there are actually a few reasons why you shouldn’t make your bed. Don’t believe it? Keep on reading to see why making your bed should be something you consider skipping each morning.
They’re little microscopic creatures that live in the folds of your bedding — and, to make it even worse, they’re relatives of spiders. According to scientists, there are about 1.5 million dust mites on your bed — even when you’re sleeping at night. And you might not want to hear this, but if you make your bed, it’s more likely the dust mites will breed in it. They can cause coughing, itchy eyes and are even a cause of asthma — all of which affect your health in negative ways.
So will leaving your bed unmade get rid of them? Dust mites love warm environments, and it is said that not making your bed will allow the covers to cool during the day and even let all the moisture that dust mites love evaporate. Not making your bed might not be enough to get rid of dust mites completely, but it is possible that keeping the covers unmade can help reduce their population in your bed.
There are people who need more sleep than others, and some who still feel tired even after a full eight hours. Getting more sleep can help battle health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. There’s little chance of hopping back into bed for a much-needed nap if it’s perfectly made. So keep your bed unmade during the weekend -- it’ll encourage you to catch a few more winks than you usually would.
Your home’s atmosphere can have an effect on your health. A good way to keep your mental health in good condition is to have a place to come back to after a long day that feels like "you." Some people like having their homes completely pristine, while others prefer some clutter — and that’s perfectly OK. After a long day at work, everyone wants to come home to something relaxing and comfortable — and what could be more comfortable than your bed, all ready to jump into? An unmade bed helps make your home feel more lived in and can even help reduce your stress levels.
Making your bed is a chore that doesn’t have to be done — and, in fact, not making it can help keep you healthier and produce less stress in your life. And it’s also one less thing you need to do in the morning. So try leaving it unmade, whether it’s for health reasons or just because you like the look — it could help change your life for the better.
