The cozy bed seems like the safest place. But recent research says, ‘it’s not!
Man goes unguarded while he sleeps. After all, what bad can happen in bed? Well, a lot! The research draws a shocking link between bedding and breathing. And it says that your bedding may be the silent monster giving you asthma and allergies!
Is your bed an abode of allergies?
You are not the only one living in your house! You are sharing your space with many mighty creatures!
The ticks and spiders, bed bugs, and insects. Many microscopic creatures dwell in your haven.
The microscopic creatures love the humid climate. They feed off dust and dead skin. These little monsters thrive in warm and humid spaces. Like your bedding, mattress, and furniture.
Now, if you have high sensitivity, then you are likely to get an allergy. When your body comes in contact with the feces and decaying bodies of these microbes, it might catch an allergy.
Look for symptoms like coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. If these woes keep coming back constantly then maybe it’s time to check your bed!
Also, allergic reactions on the skin and itching are prominent symptoms of bugs in your bed.
Are you living in a damp house?
The rays of sunshine entering through the window panes are not just soothing but also healing. The houses that do not receive ample sunlight and are damp in nature are proven to be the den of diseases.
Research says that damp houses are hubs for moulds and microbes. These moulds and microbes thrive in warm humid places like your mattress, blankets, and pillows.
Long-term exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can impair your lung function. Research and studies also state that people living in such houses are more prone to chronic health problems such as asthma.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many cases of childhood asthma are attributable to exposure to indoor dampness and mould. People living in such houses are at a higher risk of depression, asthma, and respiratory diseases.
How does your bedding bother your breathing?
Mould in your mattress
Moulds are a type of fungus that lives off decomposed bodies. They accumulate in damp and poorly ventilated buildings. Inhaling these mould fragments can inflame the airways.
It may cause nasal congestion. And often cause symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and throat irritation.
Breathing problems due to bedding
- Long-term exposure to these allergens can reduce lung function. This may result in chronic health problems like asthma.
- This could trigger the symptom of shortness of breath. It may also cause chest pain, tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
- Whether it’s an allergy or chronic asthma, the mites in your bed can turn your peaceful nights into a nightmare.
Tips for better bedding and breathing
- Never compromise on a good bed. Invest in a mattress that supports your spine and allows free breathing.
- Hygiene is supreme. Wash your bed sheets and pillow covers at least once a week. Wash your feet before getting on the bed. It is always a great idea to have different bedsheets for day and night!
- Use a mattress cover. Since the mattress is not washable. Cover it up with a thick fiber mattress cover. This shields you from getting in touch with the microbes.
- Do not eat on the bed. Never bring food to bed. Tiny particles of food might slip from your hand and slide into the pores of your bed. This is what microbes will feed on!
- Regular exercise. Regular workout not just improves your breathing during the regime but it boosts your overall oxygen intake.
- Maintain good posture. Sleeping in a restrictive posture that presses your lungs might impact your breathing.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese might increase your difficulty in breathing. A healthy diet and exercise can improve your breathing a lot.
- Practice Pranayama. This simple practice of breathing in and breathing out offers oodles of benefits.
Conclusion
Your bed might be an abode of allergens. Allergens can cause sneezing, wheezing, asthma, and itching. These allergen exposures are important risk factors for asthma and allergies.
These allergens can also impact your breathing and can cause chronic breathing disorders. Hence, it is crucial to take proper care of your bedding to maintain healthy breathing.