These Are the 5 Reasons Your Sleep Environment Could Be Making You Sick

I’m sure you’ve heard the statistic that says we spend a third of our life sleeping.

That’s a lot of time spent in our bedrooms.

So could it be that your bedroom is the reason for your stuffy nose and sinus headache?

Here are 5 reasons your sleep environment could be making you sick:

1. Dust Under Your Bed

Since it is a huge undertaking to move a bed and clean out under it, many of us aren’t doing it as often as we should.

Move out any storage boxes and wipe them down to get rid of any dust.

Then, enlist help and move the bed so you can sweep or vacuum to get all the dust out from under it.

This needs to be done on a regular basis, so make a quarterly note of it in your planner.

2. Toxic Chemicals on Your Sheets

Did you know cotton is one of the dirtiest crops on the planet?

Purchasing organic cotton sheets can protect you from the side effects of pesticides. Not to mention, it is much better for the planet.

Your sheets should be washed weekly. I have a designated sheet washing day (Wednesdays) to help me remember when it is time for them to get washed.

3. Dirty Pillows

Think how much time you spend with your face against your pillow. It just makes sense that your pillow should be cleaned regularly.

Did you know that most pillows are machine washable?

Down, feather, and down alternative pillows are all machine washable. Use wool dryer balls in the dryer to help fluff them up after washing.

Memory foam pillows are not machine washable. You may want to invest in a washable hypo-allergenic cover that is machine washable.

4. Dust Mites in Your Mattress

Did you know your mattress needs to be vacuumed on a regular basis?

Strip off the sheets and pop up there with the brush attachment of your vacuum and get the dust out.

Again, this is something I mark in my planner to make sure it gets done on a regular basis.

You can also purchase a hypo-allergenic cover that is machine washable. Just make sure washing the cover is part of your regular laundry routine.

5. Sleeping with Pets

This is a tough one to come to terms with and one I personally don’t like.

However, to keep your sleep environment clean and healthy, try to keep your pets off your bed.

If you really want your pet on your bed, make sure they have their own washable blanket to lie on and clean it regularly.

BONUS:

If you want the cleanest, safest sleep environment possible, add a few plants to your bedroom. They help to purify the air you breath.

It’s also a great idea to open the bedroom windows and air out the room on a regular basis.

What else do you do to keep your sleep environment healthy?