What is the 'bed biome' and how does it affect sleep?

The 'bed biome' consists of bacteria, fungi, and mites that thrive on shed skin and sweat in bedding, potentially causing allergic reactions and breathing issues that disrupt sleep.

How can I eliminate bacteria, fungi, and mites from my bedding?

Experts recommend regularly washing bedding at a minimum of 60°C to kill harmful microbes and mites, and washing pillows every four to six months.

What health problems are linked to the 'bed biome'?

The bed biome can trigger allergic reactions like a blocked nose, asthma, eczema, and skin infections, as well as cause snoring and poor sleep quality.

Home / Health / Your Bed Is Breeding Bacteria: Fight the 'Bed Biome'

Your Bed Is Breeding Bacteria: Fight the 'Bed Biome'

10 Feb

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Summary

Bedding absorbs skin and sweat, fueling a 'bed biome' affecting sleep.
Mite droppings and fungi spores can trigger allergies and breathing issues.
Regularly washing bedding at 60°C can kill harmful microbes and mites.

Your Bed Is Breeding Bacteria: Fight the 'Bed Biome'

Our bedding harbors a 'bed biome' comprising bacteria, fungi, and mites, potentially impacting sleep quality. This ecosystem thrives on shed skin and sweat, creating an environment where microbes multiply.

Primrose Freestone, an associate professor in clinical microbiology, explains that these microbes transfer to bedding, feeding invisible mites. Accumulating mite droppings can lead to allergic reactions like a blocked nose, asthma, and eczema. These particles, when inhaled, trigger histamine release, causing nasal swelling and snoring.

A study in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology found many dust mite-allergic individuals also suffered from poor sleep and snoring. Fungal spores, with tests on pillows showing millions per gram, can also cause issues. David Denning, a retired professor of infectious diseases, notes that moisture from sweat and wet hair encourages mold, fungi, and mites.