The health benefits of airing out your bedding regularly
In a country like Scandinavia, it's common to see bedding spread out on balconies or window sills. This is an aesthetic tradition and a practice used by our grandmothers. Fresh bedding is undoubtedly one of the key factors influencing the quality of our sleep. The question remains: does airing bedding outside really offer benefits?
4 October 2024 18:03
For those who haven't tried it yet, it may be worth considering the advantages that airing bedding can bring to our sleep. The "Livingect" portal reached out to sleep trainer Carla Gasie from the Sleepopolis brand for her opinion. According to her, airing bedding is essential for health. She provides factual justification for her view.
The important factors here are exposing bedding to sunlight and a fresh breeze, which help eliminate moisture and unpleasant odours caused by sweat during sleep. Regular airing also removes dust, mites, and remnants of skin and hair. This, in turn, translates to better sleep quality and can help combat skin problems like acne. If you suffer from skin conditions, regular airing of bedding is a necessity.
It's recommended to spread the bedding on a chair or drying rack placed on the balcony. The rodzice.pl portal suggests that the part of the bedding in contact with the body should be on top. If no balcony is available, a window sill is an alternative. The timing of airing is also important. It's best to do it in the evening or at dawn—cool air speeds up the airing process. Practicing this daily for up to 30 minutes shows effects, while airing once a week means needing several hours.
Problems arise when you live close to a busy street or during neighbourhood renovations. In such cases, exposing bedding outside should be well-considered. It's better to expose bedding to the sun by only opening the upper window slightly. You can also use a nearby rug beater, remembering to wipe it beforehand.
If there are no other options, washing should be the primary form of bedding care. However, this process must also adhere to appropriate guidelines.
Experts at Sleepopolis recommend washing bedding weekly to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, avoiding allergens. However, this may be too frequent for many people.
If frequent washing is not possible, it's important to shower before bed, remove makeup, and avoid letting pets in the bed. Leftover fur can cause allergic reactions. Regular washing of pillowcases also helps prevent hair greasiness and clogged pores.
When washing bedding, it's also important to pay attention to the information on the label. Failure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations may damage the fabric or change its properties.
