Habits

Stop Making Your Bed First Thing — Here’s Why

by Alex•April 26, 2025June 10, 2025

Making your bed first thing in the morning is often touted as a productive and disciplined way to start the day. However, this seemingly harmless habit might not be as beneficial as it seems. In fact, there are several reasons why delaying this task can be better for your health, your sleep quality, and even your overall well-being. Let’s explore why you might want to reconsider making your bed first thing in the morning.

The Science Behind Bed-Making

Your bed might look neat and tidy when it’s made, but there’s more happening beneath the surface than you might realize. Here’s what happens when you make your bed immediately:

Trapped Moisture
During the night, your body sheds sweat, dead skin cells, and body heat, creating a warm, moist environment in your bedding. Making your bed right away traps this moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for dust mites and mold.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells and can exacerbate allergies and asthma. A made bed provides the perfect conditions for dust mites to flourish.
Air Circulation
Leaving your bed unmade allows air to circulate around your sheets, helping to dry out moisture and reduce the number of dust mites. This simple act can improve the overall hygiene of your sleeping environment.

Health Benefits of Delaying Bed-Making

By waiting to make your bed, you can enjoy several health benefits that contribute to a better night’s sleep and overall well-being.

1. Reduced Allergen Exposure

Dust mites are a common trigger for allergies and asthma. By allowing your bedding to air out, you can reduce the number of dust mites and other allergens in your bed. This can lead to fewer allergy symptoms and better respiratory health.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

A cleaner, drier bed can lead to better sleep quality. Dust mites and mold can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep. By creating a healthier sleeping environment, you may find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

3. Enhanced Mental Clarity

Delaying the task of making your bed can also have psychological benefits. It allows you to focus on more important morning routines, such as hydration, mindfulness, or exercise, before tackling less critical tasks.

Practical Reasons to Wait

Aside from health benefits, there are practical reasons to hold off on making your bed first thing in the morning.

1. Time Efficiency

In the rush of the morning, every minute counts. Instead of spending time making your bed immediately, use that time for other essential tasks, such as preparing a healthy breakfast or organizing your day.

2. Aesthetic Flexibility

An unmade bed can give your bedroom a more relaxed and lived-in look. For those who appreciate a more casual and cozy aesthetic, leaving your bed unmade can contribute to a more inviting atmosphere.

3. Encouraging Productivity

Leaving your bed unmade can serve as a visual reminder to stay productive. It signals that the day has begun and there’s work to be done. You can return to make your bed later as a way to mark the transition from morning tasks to the rest of your day.

How to Properly Air Out Your Bed

If you decide to delay making your bed, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your bedding gets properly aired out:

Pull Back the Covers
When you wake up, pull back the covers and fold them down to the foot of the bed. This allows air to circulate around your sheets and mattress.
Open a Window
If possible, open a window to let fresh air into your bedroom. This helps to reduce moisture and improve air quality.
Wait Before Making the Bed
Wait at least an hour, or until you’ve completed your morning routine, before making your bed. This gives your bedding enough time to air out and dry.

The Psychological Impact of Bed-Making

For many, making the bed is a ritual that provides a sense of accomplishment and sets the tone for a productive day. However, it’s important to recognize that this habit is not universally beneficial. For some, the act of making the bed can feel like an unnecessary chore, adding stress to an already busy morning.

1. Breaking the Habit

If you’ve been making your bed out of habit, consider experimenting with leaving it unmade for a week. Notice how it affects your morning routine and overall sense of well-being.

2. Shifting Priorities

Instead of focusing on the visual neatness of a made bed, prioritize other morning habits that contribute to your health and productivity. This could include drinking water, stretching, or journaling.

3. Personalized Routines

Everyone’s morning routine is different. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find a routine that supports your physical and mental health, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Addressing Common Concerns

Some people might hesitate to leave their bed unmade due to concerns about cleanliness or aesthetics. Here are some common concerns and how to address them:

1. Concern About Messiness

If an unmade bed feels too messy, consider simply straightening the pillows and blankets without fully making the bed. This can provide a compromise between neatness and air circulation.

2. Worry About Dust and Dirt

If you’re worried about dust settling on your bed, consider using a lightweight bedspread or coverlet that can be easily removed and washed.

3. Concern About Discipline

If making your bed is a way to cultivate discipline, find other morning habits that can serve the same purpose. This could include setting a morning intention, practicing gratitude, or engaging in a short mindfulness exercise.

The Bigger Picture

The decision to make your bed first thing in the morning might seem trivial, but it reflects a larger conversation about how we structure our daily routines. By questioning conventional habits and considering their impact on our health and well-being, we can create routines that truly serve us.

Conclusion

While making your bed first thing in the morning might seem like a small and insignificant habit, it can have a surprising impact on your health, sleep quality, and overall well-being. By waiting to make your bed and allowing your bedding to air out, you can reduce allergens, improve sleep hygiene, and create a more relaxed and flexible morning routine.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a routine that works for you and supports your health and happiness. So, the next time you wake up, consider leaving your bed unmade for a while. Your body—and your mind—might thank you for it.