Experts Say This Common Step in Your Morning Routine Makes You More Productive — But It Could Actually Be a Danger to Your Health One of the first things you do when you wake up might be holding you back — and making you sick.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- Having a consistent morning routine can lower stress and make you more productive at work.
- But one prevalent everyday habit might actually be hindering your health and sleep goals.
If you're like most Americans (71% according to Sleep Foundation), you probably make your bed every day or almost every day.
It might even be one of the first things you do after you wake up — and research shows that having a consistent morning routine can lower stress, increase energy and make you more productive. What's more, a survey from Best Mattress Brand revealed that 34% of people who make their beds were "very productive" at work compared to 21% of those who neglected the task.
But making your bed every morning is one habit that could actually do more harm than good — and may even endanger your health, according to sleep experts at Zoma Sleep.
That's because a freshly made bed can be a haven for millions of dust mites. A typical used mattress can house anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites, an Ohio State University study found.
Related: Use This Green Beret Morning Routine to Feel Energized All Day
What are dust mites, exactly?
Dust mites are "very small, insect-like pests that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm, humid settings," per the American Lung Association.
They aren't parasites and don't bite or sting, but approximately 20 million people in the U.S. are allergic to the proteins in dust that come from dust mite feces and decaying bodies.
Symptoms may include congestion, coughing, itchy mouth, nose or throat; red, itchy and watery eyes; runny nose; and sneezing, among others, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Related: 5 Nighttime Routines That Help You Relax, Sleep Well and Feel Energized in the Morning
How to reduce dust mites
"A perfectly made bed is a hotspot for dust mites, serving as an ideal, warm space for these insects to survive and thrive," warn experts at Zoma Sleep.
But leaving your bed unmade for 30 minutes to an hour can help release the moisture and sweat that accumulated overnight, effectively starving the dust mites, according to the experts.
Additionally, making sure you have a "fresh, well-ventilated bedroom," washing your sheets once a week, vacuuming your mattress and other upholstery, and investing in wool bedding can keep excessive dust mites at bay — and help you get a healthier, better night's sleep.
Related: 3 Surprising Productivity Benefits of a Consistent Nighttime Routine
