Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Bed First Thing In The Morning

Suffering to sleep due to hay fever? You’re not alone, as searches for ‘hay fever sleep’ hay fever have increased 144% in the last month.

If you’re doing all you can to tackle itchy, streaming eyes, headaches and uncontrollable sneezing at night - it’s time to consider your bedroom might be the very culprit for harbouring pollen and dust mites.

Thankfully, with a few small tweaks as advised by Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, sufferers will be able to enjoy a sound snooze symptom-free.

1. Don’t make your bed first thing in the morning

Traditionally, making your bed has been associated with tidiness and discipline. However, Martin Seeley, the CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, argues that making your bed as soon as you wake up may not be the best choice for your health.

He said, “Contrary to popular belief, an unmade bed is less susceptible to trapping pollen and dust mites, those tiny creatures that can trigger a range of health issues, including asthma and allergies. Many studies show that unventilated bedding, caused by making your bed immediately, can create an environment that leads to higher concentrations of dust mites and their allergic proteins as reported in many studies.”

"Moreover, natural sunlight can play a role in preventing the accumulation of dust mites. Allowing your bedding to remain unmade for a while gives it exposure to natural sunlight. Sunlight has disinfectant properties and can help kill some bacteria and mites, further reducing potential health risks."

2. Avoid drying bedding outside

“There’s nothing better than climbing into a bed with fresh bedding that’s been dried outdoors, but keep in mind that line-drying clothing also brings outdoor pollen into the home. Pollen can burrow itself or stick to fibres of your bedding and mattress, further irritating allergies when putting your duvet and pillow cases back on.

“Alternatively, wash your bedding on a clothes rail or in the dryer inside.”

3. Hoover your mattress every time you change your bedding

“Vacuuming your mattress regularly is an easy way to clear your mattress of any debris and keep it clean. Not only does it take away any manner of dust and debris - it helps to remove any pollen that my not be noticeable to the naked eye.”

4. Open bedroom windows for thirty minutes to promote air circulation - but no longer

“It may be tempting to open your bedroom windows to enjoy the fresh spring air. Air circulation does help with shifting pollen particles from your sleep environment, however opening windows for too long can expose the indoors to more tree pollen so it’s important to close windows after approximately thirty minutes.”

5. Cover your bed with spare linens when out of use

“By throwing a spare sheet over your duvet during the day, this can help to protect your bed from circulating pollen, allowing you to simply remove it before getting into bed in the evening.”

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