The Dangers You Sleep With: Germs In Bed Can Be A Huge Health Threat

The bed may be the most comfortable place in the home, but unfortunately, it can also be one of the most contagious, warns a London-based microbiologist. In a new article, a researcher at the University of Westminster explains all the hidden dangers that can turn your mattress into one giant petri dish for breeding microbes. PIX11.

Medical microbiology professor Manal Mohammed says all the sweat, saliva, dandruff, and dead skin cells people leave behind after a night's sleep are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bed. All this creates an ideal environment for the growth and development of bacteria, fungi, viruses and even microscopic insects.

Dr. Mohammed focused on bacteria staphylococcus... Although these microbes are usually harmless to humans, they cause serious illness and possibly death if they enter the body through an open wound.

The bacteria are antibiotic resistant

Strains such as Staphylococcus aureushave been found on pillowcases, and they can also be antibiotic resistant. This potentially damaging strain is also common in hospital beds.

Although a hospital room is very different from a bedroom at home, Dr. Mohammed says gram-negative bacteria such as staphylococcus and E. coli can still infiltrate a regular bed.

“In fact, about a third of people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their bodies. People who carry S. aureus can spread the organism in large numbers, which means that Staphylococcus bacteria can be transferred quite easily into your bed at home, ”Mohammed writes in his article for The Conversation.

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Many beetles crawl on people's beds

The author adds that during sleep, people lose about 500 million skin cells every night. Thus, microscopic dust mites are able to eat like a buffet. Unfortunately for humans, these mites (and their droppings in your bed!) Can cause allergies or even asthma.

Worse, bed bugs have become a growing problem, especially in big cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Dr. Mohammed says people can bring these pests into their homes in a variety of ways from polluted environments.

“Washing and drying bed linen at high temperatures (about 55 degrees Celsius) will kill dust mites, but bedbugs may need professional control,” explains the microbiologist.

Clutter at home can lead to a messy bed.

The study also notes that items in your own home can contribute to germs in your bed. Bringing dirty clothes and towels to your bedroom can attract a large number of germs to your bed, including the bacteria S. aureus and E. coli.

“Improper washing can also spread these germs to other items, including our sheets. Even diseases such as gonorrhea can be transmitted through contaminated towels or bedding, ”warns Mohammed.

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What are the best hygiene practices for your bed

The author of the study explains that the best way to keep your bed clean is through constant washing. Most people may find it difficult to wash their sheets every day, but airing the sheets every morning can be beneficial. Throwing back the duvet and leaving the sheets in the air will make your bed less inviting for germs and insects to nest.

In addition to washing your bedding every week or two, the author also recommends vacuuming the mattress to remove excess allergens and dust. Also, never use your mattress for too long and buy a new one every 10 years. Showering before bed and not going to bed sweaty also reduces germs on your sheets. Finally, Dr. Mohammed recommends that people avoid food in bed and not allow their pets to sleep on it.