Doctors say you shouldn’t make your bed right after waking up, and Parade explains why—it’s not just about being lazy. When we sleep, our bodies sweat, releasing moisture into the bed.
Dr. Myro Figura, an anesthesiologist, shared on Instagram that making your bed too soon traps this moisture, creating the perfect spot for dust mites.
These tiny bugs feed on dead skin cells, and Parade highlights how they thrive in warm, damp bedding.
Dr. Figura says the average mattress has over 10 million dust mites, and older pillows can be up to 10% dust mites and their droppings.
Gross, right? By leaving your bed unmade for at least an hour or two, the sheets and mattress can dry out, making it harder for dust mites to “party.”
Parade also consulted Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a sleep medicine expert, who agrees. He explains that dust mites aren’t harmful by themselves but their waste and dead bodies can cause allergies or worsen asthma. Symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes can be signs you’re sensitive to these allergens.
More severe issues, like asthma attacks and trouble breathing, can also happen, affecting millions of Americans.
Still, Parade reassures readers that not everyone needs to worry. If you don’t have allergies or asthma, dust mites are less of a problem. But if you’re sensitive, keeping them under control is essential.
Parade offers practical tips to reduce dust mites at home, like washing bedding weekly in hot water, using allergen-proof covers, dusting often, vacuuming, and lowering indoor humidity.
Investing in an air purifier or switching from carpets to hard flooring can also help.
So, the next time someone tells you to make your bed immediately, Parade suggests it’s better to wait and let it air out. It’s a simple way to keep your sleep space cleaner and healthier.