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Expert pinpoints 3 bedding mistakes that will impact sleep and irritate skin

A bedding expert has revealed the common bedding mistakes that can impact your health in various ways.

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By Jennifer Pinto, Audience writer

Changing bedsheets

Your bed sheets should be changed every one to two weeks (Image: Getty)

Bed hygiene is definitely not something that should be overlooked. 

Bed cleanliness can impact the quality of your sleep and prevent you from getting infections, as well as the worsening of allergies and skin issues. 

Experts have revealed the three common mistakes you're probably making when washing your bed sheets which include not washing your bedding every one to two weeks, over-drying your bedding, and not storing your bedding correctly. 

A total of 83.6% of people in the UK have said that their bedding affects the way they sleep in some aspect, according to experts from the bedding brand, Panda London

Dr Seeta Shah, a medical expert at Panda London, said: "With most of us spending approximately seven hours in bed each night, our exposure to lingering bacteria on sheets is significant. 

"Bedding can harbour a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can pose serious health risks.

Messy master bedroom with unmade bed

Bed hygiene is crucial to your health and sleep quality (Image: Getty)

"This bacteria can lead to numerous health problems, ranging from mild skin irritations, such as dermatitis, to more significant concerns, like infections.

"If you've recently been unwell, it’s imperative to wash your bedding more frequently to prevent the accumulation of pathogens and reinfection.

"Similarly, individuals who notice the onset of skin complaints should prioritise hygiene by laundering their bed linens and considering hypoallergenic materials to mitigate potential triggers."

Tamir Teitelbaum, director at Panda London shared the three mistakes people make when washing their bedding which includes not washing your sheets every one to two weeks. 

Over-drying bedding, whether through tumble drying or direct sunlight, can damage fibers and lead to skin irritation, so air-drying is preferred to preserve softness.

The third mistake is not storing your bedding properly.

Proper storage of freshly washed bedding in a cool, dry place helps prevent mildew, odors, and pests, and using breathable storage bags or pillowcases can keep sheets organised and fresh.

Dr Seeta added: "Bed linen is a common home for dust mites, which are a major trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. For allergy sufferers, this can lead to disrupted sleep and compromised respiratory health."

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