Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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National bed month: 58% of Brits are sleeping with the enemy

Are you itching to fall asleep at night? London Cleaning System may have the answer why. Each night you risk sleeping among invisible bacteria, creeping around the corners of your mattress inconspicuously. With 22% of the population stating that they frequently have a bad night's sleep, London Cleaning System deciphered just why this may be, in celebration of National Bed Month.

The company's recent survey involved questioning 1700 people on their hygiene habits when it came to their night time routine. Out of those surveyed, only 42% of people changed their bed sheets every week - the frequency recommended by many professionals. Close behind - at 36% - were those who change their sheets every two/three weeks. A disturbing 14% of individuals are guilty of changing sheets just once a month or even less.

Still, surprisingly, it is not only bed sheets that need changing and monitoring frequently. As many as 88% of us are unaware that we need to wash our duvet and pillows every two to three months. What was additionally the most surprising to people the surveyors questioned, was the frequency we should be cleaning our mattress itself. This should be done in line with the seasons changing, due to a change in humidity, warmth, and coldness of a room, says the company.

Overall analysis highlighted that so many were unaware of the health risks they were exposing themselves to, through not changing their bed sheets. In one night's sleep alone, we release around half a pint of fluid, as well as shedding dead skin. In our lifetime, we will shed, on average, five stones worth of dead skin cells.

This dirt and fluid contributes to several infections and health issues that we are exposed to through not taking care of our bedtime hygiene habits. Dr David E. Bank, director of The Centre for Dermatology, discussed this subject, highlighting the issue of sleeping amongst dirt, developing to acne mechania:

"Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face. When your pillowcase isn't laundered, or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes."

Additional health risks can develop into other diseases and health issues, from a simple cold, leading to flu-like symptoms and in some more serious cases pneumonia. Not only is it these viruses that can be contracted, but other serious bacterial infections can develop, from MRSA to Lyme disease, warns the company.

The survey highlighted the importance of changing our bedding, with 76% admitting they have a noticeably better night's sleep on the day they change their sheets.

"It is vital for health purposes to maintain a clean mattress," says Filip Mijatov, managing director of London Cleaning System. "Ensuring your bedding and mattress are cleaned routinely, will avoid a build-up of skin cells and fluids, amongst an abundance of bacteria related threats.

"The survey ultimately highlights the importance of making people aware of the health benefits of a well-maintained bed, in relation to the risks presented with one that is not."

Image courtesy of: ruigsantos/Shutterstock

T: 0208 252 0154
W: www.londoncleaningsystem.co.uk

16th March 2017