It’s been rooted into many of us since we were children that we should learn how to make a bed properly and to do so pretty much soon as we get up.
Years on, in adulthood, life coaches, sleep and well-being experts often advocate the grounding benefits of this daily ritual – claiming this fairly simple act can give you an instant sense of order and control, positively impacting on your entire day, productivity and quality of life.
However, there are some mixed opinions on whether this is strictly the best routine after all, or not. Some sleep experts have even stated that making the bed every morning could be doing you more harm than good – claiming it isn’t as hygienic as an unmade, aired and, albeit, disheveled bed – as the former could harbor more bacteria, potentially damaging your mattress in the process.
This article explores the various perspectives and considerations involved in deciding whether or not to make your bed every day, without claiming a one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s delve into the arguments on both sides to help you make an informed decision.
The Case for Making Your Bed Every Day
1. Mental and psychological benefits: Making your bed every day can foster a sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It is often cited as the first task of the day that, once completed, provides a small sense of pride and can motivate you to take on subsequent tasks with vigor.
2. Aesthetics and environment: A made bed can transform the appearance of your bedroom, making it more inviting and pleasant to look at. If your environment affects your mood, tidiness can lead to reduced stress and an increased sense of tranquility.
3. Habit formation and discipline: The simple act of making your bed can instill discipline and become part of a structured routine, which can potentially lead to the creation of other productive habits through the domino effect.
The Case Against Making Your Bed Every Day
1. Dust mites and allergens: An unmade bed may expose bed linens to air and light, which can dehydrate and thus reduce the number of dust mites that thrive in the warm, damp conditions of a neatly made bed.
2. Time and effort: Depending on the complexity of your bedding, making your bed every day may seem to some like a waste of time and energy that could be spent on more meaningful activities or extra moments of sleep.
3. Personal preference: For some individuals, the feeling of getting into an unmade bed, with the sheets not overly taut, can be more comfortable and conducive to a better night’s sleep.
Compromises and Considerations
1. Partially making the bed: Some opt for a middle-ground approach, such as straightening the sheets and duvet but not tucking everything in meticulously or piling on decorative pillows.
2. Timing: If you are concerned about dust mites, making your bed after breakfast allows time for moisture to evaporate from the sheets.
3. Individual differences: Ultimately, the choice depends on personal priorities, health considerations, and lifestyle. Each person should weigh the benefits against the drawbacks in the context of their own life.
