Beyond Clean Sheets

Most of us have been told that making the bed first thing in the morning is the hallmark of an organized and disciplined person. But what if that seemingly harmless habit was actually making your sleep environment less healthy?

Mold is one of the most overlooked threats in the home, and your bedroom can be one of the most vulnerable spaces for mold growth. If you’re making your bed too soon, skipping proper ventilation, or misusing cooling sleep systems, you could be setting yourself up for exposure to mold spores, bacteria, and allergens that impact sleep quality and overall health.

Here’s how to make your bedroom a low-mold, high-health environment by avoiding three common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Making Your Bed Right Away

It seems like the responsible thing to do—wake up, smooth out your sheets, and start the day. But in reality, making your bed too soon after waking up can trap moisture from sweat and body heat, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

• Your body naturally releases moisture while you sleep. Some of that moisture gets absorbed by your sheets, pillows, and mattress.^[1]
• A humid environment with limited airflow allows mold and dust mites to thrive. Mold needs just 50% humidity to start growing, and your sealed-up bed creates the ideal damp and dark space.
• Over time, this can lead to hidden mold in your mattress, which can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and even chronic fatigue.^[2]

The Fix: Let Your Bed Breathe

Instead of making your bed immediately, pull back the covers and let your mattress and sheets air out for at least an hour.

• Allowing air to circulate helps evaporate trapped moisture, reducing the risk of mold and bacteria growth.
• If possible, open a window or turn on a fan to speed up drying time.
• If you have a dehumidifier, running it in the morning can help pull excess moisture from the air.

This simple shift in routine can go a long way in keeping your sleep environment healthier.

Mistake #2: Keeping Your Bed in the Dark All Day

If your bedroom stays dark throughout the day, you’re missing out on one of nature’s best disinfectants—sunlight. Sun exposure isn’t just beneficial for vitamin D production in humans; it also helps kill bacteria, mold spores, and dust mites that can accumulate in your bed.^[3]

• Sunlight naturally reduces indoor humidity, preventing moisture from lingering in your mattress.
• UV rays have antimicrobial properties that help break down bacteria and allergens that thrive in damp environments.
• Dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells, are significantly reduced when exposed to direct sunlight.

The Fix: Let Natural Light Into Your Room

• Open the curtains or blinds first thing in the morning to let sunlight hit your bed. Even indirect light can help reduce moisture buildup.
• On laundry day, strip your bed completely and let the mattress soak up as much sunlight as possible before remaking it.
• If you suspect moisture buildup in your mattress, periodically take it outside for full sun exposure to dry out and kill any potential mold spores.

Mistake #3: Using Cooling Sleep Systems Incorrectly

Many people turn to cooling sleep systems, like ChiliPads, to regulate temperature and improve sleep quality. While these systems can be helpful, they also create an unexpected problem—condensation buildup.

• If a cooling system is set too low for extended periods, it can cause excess moisture to form on your mattress.
• This trapped moisture can lead to hidden mold growth under the cooling pad, which can be difficult to detect until you notice allergy symptoms or a musty odor.
• Some cooling pads have water reservoirs that can harbor bacteria and mold if not cleaned regularly.

The Fix: Prevent Moisture Buildup from Cooling Pads

• Avoid setting your cooling pad to extremely cold temperatures for long periods.
• Regularly check under your cooling pad to ensure no moisture is accumulating.
• Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent bacterial and mold buildup inside the system.

A Mold-Free Sleep Environment Starts with Simple Changes

Mold growth in your bedroom isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be a serious health hazard. Long-term exposure to mold spores can contribute to respiratory issues, brain fog, immune system problems, and poor sleep quality.

By allowing your bed to air out, letting in natural sunlight, and properly using cooling systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold taking hold in your mattress. A cleaner sleep environment means better health, deeper sleep, and fewer allergy symptoms.

If you know someone who still makes their bed immediately every morning, share this with them. Sometimes, breaking a simple habit is all it takes to create a healthier home.

1. Low, Fan-Zhe, et al. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1, Mar. 2017, pp. 1–9.
2. Portnoy, Jay, et al. “Environmental Assessment and Exposure Control of Dust Mites: A Practice Parameter.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, vol. 111, no. 6, Dec. 2013, pp. 465–507.
3. Nelson, Kara L., et al. “Sunlight-Mediated Inactivation of Health-Relevant Microorganisms in Water: A Review of Mechanisms and Modeling Approaches.” Environmental Science. Processes & Impacts, vol. 20, no. 8, Aug. 2018, pp. 1089–122.