How often should you change your bed sheets? A seemingly banal question, but raising a real problem of daily life and in the broader sense, of health. Explanations.
We spend an average of 7 hours a night in our bed and sweat about a liter of water, even more in summer. Over the days, microorganisms such as bacteria, dust mites and germs invade the sheets. The airways may be affected; in case of allergy or asthma, the symptoms can even be exacerbated. Long exposure to dust mites can also trigger coughing, sneezing and therefore affect sleep quality. The subject is therefore to be taken seriously.
Why change your sheets frequently?
Even if you go to bed after taking a shower, other substances disperse in the bed linen such as body hair, hair, dead skin, fungal infections, dandruff, saliva, creams… In an interview with AtlanticoDr. Stéphane Gayet explains that dust mites feed on “superficial dead cells (dander) that we shed every day, especially at night. The dead skin that comes off each individual every day (1 mg) can feed several thousand dust mites for months: this fact makes it possible to understand their phenomenal proliferation. Thus, when the conditions are optimal, there can be several million individuals in a mattress”.
When should they be changed?
Of course, your bed will not be impregnated in the same way depending on whether you sleep alone or in pairs, in pajamas or naked. If you sleep alone and shower at night, you can change your sheets every two weeks. Conversely, if you sleep in pairs, naked, have a habit of snacking in bed or shower in the morning, it is recommended to change them every week. Washing will eradicate any germs that have found refuge in your bed. Also remember to ventilate your living space, including the bedroom, at least 10 minutes a day.
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