Oct – 15: HEALTH MATTERS
Is your bed making you sick?
We spend one third of our life in bed. A good bed ensures not just good sleep but also a healthy life. It helps us relax and recharge. But what if our bed is making us ill?Â
Problem: Dust mites and germs
Dead skin, perspiration, hair and dust from the air accumulate on the bed. The warm and moist environment that the mattress, duvets and pillows provide encourages growth of dust mites (microscope bugs that feed on dead skin cells), bacteria and germs. Dust mites can increase your risk of catching a cold, cough, asthma, a range of allergies and can also trigger nasty illnesses from flu to food poisoning. Germs such as salmonella (common bacteria that affects the intestine) and norovirus (a group of viruses that cause inflammation of the stomach and large intestine lining) can also thrive in linen, even after it is washed.
Solution
Regularly vacuum clean beds and change the covers. Washing sheets weekly in hot water keeps a check on the growth of dust mites. Windows should be opened on sunny days to let fresh air and sunlight into the room. This will reduce moisture and humidity. Additionally, mattresses, pillows and duvets should be put out in the sun to kill germs. People who are very allergic to dust and germs should invest in allergenic protectors for the mattress and pillows.
Problem: Bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny insects which feed on blood of human beings and animals. They are not known to spread any diseases to humans but some people can be allergic to their bites which may lead to rashes. Bed bugs hide during the day between the mattress seams, bed frames, headboards and in cracks and crevices of walls, floors and furniture. They can get into your luggage placed in infected areas and unknowingly you could bring them into your home.
Solution
Tackling the problem of bed bugs is similar to that of dust mites and germs. Apart from that, you should get rid of any clutter from your room. Move your bed away from walls or furniture. Get all cracks or crevices in the walls repaired immediately. Also, consider getting a professional pest control team to disinfect your house.
Problem: Uncomfortable mattress
Mattress humps can also cause severe back pain. Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm can cause aches and pains on pressure points. Whereas, sleeping on saggy and unsupportive mattresses can give you aching muscles.
Solution
Invest in a firm and supportive mattress and pillow which are neither too soft nor too firm. You should regularly flip your mattress as it helps to even out the lumps. You can also pound your mattress and pillow regularly to smoothen out the lumps. If your mattress is more than 10 years old, consider getting a new one. When choosing a mattress, don’t be embarrassed to try them until you find one that is comfortable. Look for a mattress that gives good support to your spine.
Sources: dailymail.com, webmd.com, wikipedia.com, ehow.com
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