The great debate- to make your bed, or to not make your bed in the morning. We are here to set the record straight. While learning the discipline of making your bed in the morning is important and beneficial to productivity and responsibility, it isn’t always the healthiest option.
Just as we suggest to set your pillow in the sun (to kill bacteria, mites, mildew, and deodorize the pillow), keeping your bed open and unmade in the morning can kill off bacteria an mites.
When you make your bed at sunrise you are wrapping the sheets around potentially millions of dust mites on your bed. This traps the mites in your bedding and mattress to feed off your dead skin cells and sweat.
If you are unconcerned about dust mites, because they live everywhere anyways, it is still wise to not make your bed immediately in the morning. After a night of sleep humans can sweat and breathe out at least 200 milliliters per eight hours of sleep. This moisture can get trapped in your mattress, bedding, and sheets. Tightly wrapping your sheets and duvet around the moisture can harbor mold, mildew, and unwanted odor. Keeping your bed unmade and open will expose possible mites to light and fresh air (to dehydrate and die). An unmade bed will also allow moisture from the night to evaporate and dry.
So, next time you consider making your bed right after waking up go and grab yourself a cup of coffee or get ready for the day. Let your bed take an hour or so breather.