STOP making your bed immediately after waking! How dust mites are harming your health and morning routine |

For many, making the bed is the first step of the morning routine. Straightening the sheets and fluffing pillows can feel like a satisfying way to start the day. However, Dr Myroslav Figura, an anesthesiologist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Centre, warns that this seemingly harmless habit could actually impact your health.Dr Figura explains that immediately making the bed traps moisture from sweat and body heat, creating an ideal environment for dust mites, tiny organisms that thrive in warm, humid conditions. By leaving the bed unmade for a short period, the moisture can evaporate, reducing the likelihood of dust mite proliferation and improving the overall hygiene of your sleeping environment.

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells and flourish in environments with warmth and humidity. While invisible to the naked eye, they can significantly affect health. When you make the bed immediately after waking, the trapped sweat and humidity create a perfect breeding ground for these allergens.According to Dr Figura, a typical mattress can contain over 10 million dust mites, and even pillows that are just a couple of years old may have up to ten percent of their weight composed of dust mites and their waste. These allergens can trigger respiratory problems including asthma, nasal congestion, and allergic reactions, making the simple act of bed-making a potential health concern.By leaving the bed unmade, the trapped moisture dries out, reducing dust mite populations and creating a less hospitable environment for these pests. Dr Figura emphasises, “It’s not lazy, it’s sanitary,” highlighting that this small routine adjustment can have tangible benefits for respiratory health.

Dust mite allergens are a well-known trigger for asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. Allowing your bed to air out in the morning makes the sleeping area less hospitable to these microscopic creatures, reducing allergen exposure and improving overall air quality in your bedroom.Additionally, leaving the bed unmade encourages better hygiene. Bedding that remains damp and enclosed can accumulate dust, sweat, and skin particles, which can worsen respiratory irritation and congestion. Airing out the bed each morning is a simple preventive step to maintain a cleaner and healthier sleep environment.

In addition to delaying bed-making, Dr Figura recommends a regular washing routine for bed linens. Sheets and pillowcases should ideally be washed every week, though washing at least every two weeks is acceptable.“Here’s the thing,” Dr Figura explains. “When you sleep, you sweat, and dust mites feed on that moisture. Making the bed immediately traps all that dampness. Leaving it unmade for an hour or two allows the moisture to dry up, drastically reducing the dust mite population.”Regular washing removes accumulated dust mites, skin cells, and allergens, maintaining a healthier sleeping environment and reducing the risk of respiratory irritation.

Adopting the habit of leaving your bed unmade for a short period after waking requires minimal effort but can provide significant health benefits. Combining this practice with regular linen cleaning ensures your bedroom remains hygienic, allergy-friendly, and safe.Dr Figura’s advice challenges conventional notions of a perfectly made bed. Prioritising health over appearance can improve wellbeing, reduce exposure to allergens, and enhance sleep quality. By making this small adjustment, you can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier start to your day.