It’s news that teenagers will no doubt welcome: according to a leading doctor, you shouldn’t make your bed as soon as you wake up.
The reason? Los Angeles Physician Dr. Myro Figura claims that mattresses, duvets and pillows become reservoirs of human skin cells, which encourages dust mites.
Microscopic insects, which are usually harmless but can cause allergies, live in bedding, and a well-made bed will retain moisture, causing them to thrive.
In contrast, a messy bed in which the sheets are simply tossed aside in the morning and left, creates dry conditions that cause creatures to dehydrate and die.
in a Instagram video Shared with his 865,000 followers, Dr. Figura said: ‘Whether you have a partner or not, you will never sleep alone.
‘There are more than 10 million dust mites in the average mattress. If you have a two-year-old pillow, 10 percent of its weight is dust mites and their droppings.
‘Dust mites are not only disgusting, they produce allergens that can trigger asthma and make you feel congested.
“When you sleep, you sweat and they feed on that moisture.”
According to Los Angeles-based physician Dr. Myro Figura, mattresses, duvets, and pillows become reservoirs of human skin cells, which encourage the appearance of dust mites.
The creatures thrive in the warm, humid conditions created by a well-made bed with tightly fitted sheets and blankets.
At just 0.25mm in size, dust mites are too small to see with the naked eye. They are present in all homes despite normal cleaning.
They do not bite or transmit diseases, but for some people the presence of mites can cause a variety of health problems.
Many people with dust mite allergies also have eczema and asthma triggered by these insects, specifically substances found in dust mite feces.
They can cause rhinitis, cough, dry eyes and disturb sleep. Experts say people may think they have constant colds, when in fact the culprit could be dust mites.
“When you make the bed, you trap all the moisture and the dust mites have fun,” Dr. Figura said.
Instead, leaving the bed unmade for an hour or two “allows moisture to dry out and dramatically reduces the number of dust mites that can survive,” she advised.
Sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least once a fortnight, but preferably once a week, he added.
Vacuuming the bed and washing sheets regularly above 60 degrees can also help kill mites and reduce their numbers, since, like bed bugs, they are tolerant of lower temperatures.
Vacuuming the bed and washing sheets regularly above 60 degrees can also help kill mites and reduce their numbers, since, like bed bugs, they are tolerant of lower temperatures.
However, if you are a victim of dust mites, experts have long recommended visiting the pharmacist.
Dr Derrick Philips, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, previously told MailOnline: ‘Allergies to house dust mites are common in people with eczema and can trigger skin rashes.
‘Eczema flare-ups can be controlled with regular application of emollients, which retain moisture and repair the skin barrier.
“For moderate to severe flare-ups, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist and you may need treatment with steroid creams.”