We spend about a third of our lives in bed, and it seems that this part should be the purest. But in fact, the bed is often the dirtiest place in the house. And it is not about stains - but about colonies of bacteria, fungi and dust mites, which we feed daily with our own sweat and dead skin cells.
According to IFLSCIENCE , experts call to review the habits of care: to wash sheets and pillowcases should be at least once a week, a maximum - every two weeks. Everything that is less common can have serious health effects.
Bed - Botanical Garden of Bacteria
According to the New York microbiologist Philip Tierno, our bed is gradually turning into a microscopic "zoo". The wet environment, heat and constant contact with the body create the ideal conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, fungi and dust mites.
These "neighbors" are able to cause:
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eczema;
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allergy;
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Exacerbation of asthma.
And even if you have never had such symptoms, the immune system can eventually fail due to constant contact with the microflora of the bed.
Risk factors
Dermatologist Alek Vija notes that there are several signs in which bedding is needed much more often:
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You sweat a lot at night;
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sleep with pets;
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you have allergies or asthma;
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You do not dress in pajamas at bedtime.
And in the summer, the psychologist Lindsey Browning adds, the regularity of washing should be increased in general - because of high humidity, sweat and the spread of pollen in the air.
How to wash right?
Dr. Manal Mohammad from Westminster University advises to wash linen at 40 to 60 ° C - this is the optimal range for the destruction of harmful microorganisms. Pillowcases - in general it is advisable to change every few days.
It is also important every morning to "ventilate" the bed: just throw away the blanket to allow moisture to evaporate. This complicates the life of ticks and bacteria.
How often do people actually change linen?
The survey in the UK showed that only 28% of the respondents are wiped with bedding weekly. Most (36%) do it every two weeks. But even more alarming is that 10% change linen once a month, and 45% of single men admitted that she may not wash the sheets for up to four months.
Regular bedding washing is not just aesthetic issue, but a real concern for health. This simple rule can deprive you of allergies, rashes and chronic lack. Because how well you will sleep - depends not only on the mattress, but also on who with whom (or what) you divide the pillow.
