We spend most of our life (about a third) sleeping. And while we sleep in our beds, residual materials like oil, skin cells, and dirt can remain on our sheets, building up over time.
We all like to get a good night’s sleep with clean sheets. But do you know what happens if you get them dirty? To find out what accumulated dirt can do to you, read on.
Acne Breakouts And Irritated Skin
Did you notice any skin rashes? Your pillowcase is probably dirty! Daily use can cause dead skin, oil, and bacteria to form and cause clogged pores, leading to acne.
Your skin can also become red due to the bacteria present in Demodex mites, which are insects found in sheets and pillows.
If your skin looks “unhappy”, try changing the pillowcase every 2-3 days and let us know what happens.
Bad Allergies From Dust Mites
Do you sneeze and itch your eyes at night? You may have allergies! The causes of allergies can range from pollen and dust to the actual mites that live in your sheets.
These mites, although microscopic, can cause severe allergies and asthma.
To avoid these allergens, be sure to wash your sheets in hot water. You can even buy breathable and hypoallergenic bedding to avoid these symptoms.
Harmful Effects Of Sleeping With Your Pets
Sleeping with your pets can be nice and comfortable, but there are some risks to know about. Since some animals carry ticks, it is important to get rid of them, as they can cause Lyme disease. Your pet’s fur can also attract dust mites to live in your bed.
If you decide to keep your four-legged friends in your bed, be sure to wash the sheets regularly and always maintain your health and hygiene.
An Itchy Scalp
Warm, moist pillowcases can be a great home for fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi cause itchy baldness on the scalp, also known as ringworm of the scalp.
Although you can easily seek treatment from medical professionals, prevention is key.
To reduce the chances of having an irritating sensation in your head, be sure to wash pillows and blankets.
Pink Eye Reinfection
If you’ve had pink eye, also known as pink eye, your sheets are compromised too. This is due to bacteria present in bedding, especially pillowcases.
If you or someone you share a bed with has recently had a conjunctivitis episode, wash your sheets and bedding in hot water to reduce the chances of reinfection.
Now that you know what happens if you don’t wash your sheets, you may be wondering how often you should.
To kill germs, use hot water to wash sheets and bedding. Do this at least once a week and you are good to go! And if you? How often do you wash your sheets?
Let us know in the comments!
