If you’re beginning to sweat during the night and waking up to damp bedding due to the rising temperatures here in the UK, it’s a good sign that you should change your sheets more frequently.
Most people wash their bedding fortnightly, and some fastidiously do it as part of a weekly routine. Others give it a month. The odd ones go several weeks and the rest – (grim)!
However, from a health perspective not changing your sheets regularly increases the spread of bacteria. Forgoing the wash also contributes to increased suffering from health problems such as allergies and asthma.
According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, you should change your sheets and other bedding at least every two weeks and once a week if you sweat during the night.
Here are four signs that it’s time to change your sheets at least once a week:
1. You sweat a lot
Sweating can cause a build-up of bacteria which can cause skin irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Don’t forget to wash the pillowcase – dirty pillowcases harbour dirt and oil which can clog pores and cause spots on the face and neck.
2. You have dust or pollen allergies
It doesn’t take long for your bedsheets to be covered with skin cells – an absolute feast for dust mites. Dust mites are an allergen, and their droppings can cause symptoms like hay fever, eczema, asthma, coughing etc. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma are often worse at night and the dreaded house dust mite could be one of the triggers for an allergic reaction.
3. Your pet sleeps in your bed
Be honest, do you let your pet sleep in your bed? While there are some health benefits to sharing your bed with a pet, such as an increased sense of security and reduced stress, there are also health risks to consider. These include the aggravation of allergies and asthma, plus an increased risk of disease.
4. You’ve been ill
There’s nothing like the comfort of your bed when you’re under the weather. But after days under the duvet – and sweating more when you’re sick – you must change your sheets and bedding as soon as you feel better to prevent getting ill again.
Bedding Care
When you change your sheets, try to wash them at a high temperature – 60 degrees is ideal – as this kills mites, removes their faeces and destroys bacteria. Dry in direct sunlight if you can – the UV light kills microorganisms.
In the morning, turn back your bedding to air the bed. This will reduce humidity levels and prevent dust mite survival. Vacuum thoroughly under and around the bed – you’ll be surprised at how much it can yield huge amounts of dust and fluff.
When considering bedroom hygiene, it’s important to remember that your mattress should be replaced every 7 to 10 years to ensure optimal sleep quality. Plus, people typically lose about half a pint of fluid each night and shed a pound of dead skin cells each year. It’s no surprise that dust mites, which can trigger asthma, thrive in our mattresses!
Pillows should be swapped every two to three years and washed every three months. An old, unwashed pillow could contain as much as 10% of its weight in skin scale mould dead and living dust mites and their allergen-laden droppings!
Remember, there’s no greater feeling than sliding into fresh, clean sheets and is the perfect end to a bedtime routine.
This post was first published on 01.01.22 and has since been republished on 01.06.23.
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