Should I Make My Bed in the Morning?

We love a lazy morning of sleeping in and not making our bed, especially on chilly days when a few extra cozy minutes can make a huge difference. For some, waking up and making your bed can feel like a chore or a pointless task, and for others, it’s a major part of your morning routine. And while some argue making your bed is a personal choice, there are studies showing numerous benefits of making your bed in the morning. 

Keep reading to find out some of the benefits of making your bed in the morning. 

A Ripple Effect 

The simple act of smoothing your sheets, pulling your covers up, and fluffing your pillows can have a positive ripple effect on the rest of your day. Studies have shown that making your bed first thing in the morning gives you a sense of achievement and pride that helps you feel more productive throughout your day. In a commencement speech at the University of Texas, retired U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven echoed this, saying, “if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” By completing one task in the morning, even as simple and quick as making your bed, you gain the confidence and motivation to accomplish bigger tasks. 

Making your bed in the morning can also help boost your mood, lower stress levels, and improve your quality of sleep. We spend about one third of our lives in our bedrooms so it’s important to create a space that is organized and cleaned. When we’re surrounded by clutter and chaos, we feel stressed and our minds cluttered. A made bed can instantly make our rooms appear tidy, giving us a sense of tranquility and happiness. And just as it sets the tone for the day, making your bed sets that stage for bedtime by creating an inviting and cozy space to crawl into after a long day. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation found people who reported regularly making their bed were more likely to say they got a good night’s rest. 

Protect Your Mattress

You may have read studies arguing why you shouldn’t make your bed in the morning and feeling confused. Some studies state making your bed first thing in the morning is a bad habit because of dust mites, which are microscopic critters that feed on the skin flakes we shed throughout the day and while we sleep. Dust mites thrive in warm, damp environments and they may be the cause of sneezing, wheezing, runny noses, coughing, eczema, itchy eyes, and more.

Studies suggest waiting at least 30 minutes before making your bed to give your mattress and sheets time to cool down and air out. This helps remove excess moisture from the bed, making it harder for dust mites to survive. And since your bedroom tends to host the most dust mites, it’s important to protect your mattress from them.

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to protect your mattress from dust mites is to use a hypoallergenic plastic or vinyl mattress cover with zippers. These types of mattress covers fit over your entire mattress to safeguard it from spills, bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs, moisture, and other household allergens. 

The vinyl SaniSnooze Original Mattress Cover has a full-length zipper with inverted seams to protect your mattress from dust mites and bed bugs. It is also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and waterproof, providing your mattress additional protection against bedtime accidents, mold, mildew, and more. 

Read more about the benefits of using a mattress cover here

Conclusion

At first, making your bed may seem like it’s just for aesthetic purposes but it actually has positive mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Consider making your bed a part of your morning routine to help you feel more productive and motivated throughout the rest of your day. And if you are concerned about dust mites, invest in a mattress cover so you can prolong the life of your mattress and continue getting quality sleep.