Why shouldn't you make your bed right after waking up?

Don't rush to make your sheets and fold your blankets after getting out of bed. They can harbor uninvited guests. Here's why you shouldn't make your bed right after waking up.

Making your bed as soon as you wake up may seem like a sign of a productive morning. However, according to Real Simple, it can actually trap moisture, heat, and dust mites. The result? An unsanitary sleeping environment, which can lead to poorer sleep quality.

As you sleep, your body naturally produces sweat and heat, which is absorbed into your bedding. Sheets, blankets, and even mattresses can retain that moisture, especially during hot months. When you make your bed right away and fold everything neatly, waste gets trapped under the covers. This creates a moist, enclosed environment that dust mites love. These tiny, insect-like creatures feed on dead skin cells and thrive in warm, moist conditions, such as sweaty sheets and blankets that are folded neatly after getting out of bed.

Additionally, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, dust mites are one of the most common household allergens, and they can even aggravate asthma or trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive people. A bed that is covered and sealed before moisture has a chance to evaporate becomes an ideal breeding ground for them.

The best time to make the bed

Many hygiene experts and sleep experts recommend pulling the sheets off and letting your bed 'breathe' for at least 30 to 60 minutes each morning. According to Real Simple, this allows heat and sweat to escape, which helps keep your bedding drier and less prone to dust mites and bacteria. If possible, open a window or use a fan to promote air circulation and speed up the drying process. And it's not just dust mites that are a problem. Damp bedding can also lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and odors.

You shouldn't give up making your bed altogether, though, so don't take this as a sign to ditch the covers. Remember that a little "breathing" space can go a long way toward keeping your sleep environment clean and healthy. In fact, a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who made their beds were 19% more likely to sleep well.

Bottom line: Don't give up making your bed completely — just delay it a little. That way, you still get the satisfaction of a tidy room, an allergen-free bed, and a better night's sleep.

Marvin Fry

Update 05 September 2025