Your bed is probably not as clean as you think it is, says microbiologist

By Manal Mohammed for La Conversation,

There is nothing quite like crawling in bed, wrapping yourself in your blankets, and snuggling your head in your pillow. But before you get too comfortable, you might want to know that your bed isn’t all that different from a Petri dish.

The combination of sweat, saliva, dandruff, dead skin cells and even food particles makes it the optimal environment for the growth of a whole host of germs such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and even tiny insects.

Here are some of the things hiding under our covers.

Bacteria

Our beds can accommodate a wide variety of bacterial species.

For example, research into hospital bed linen has found that Staphylococcus bacteria are common. These bacteria are generally harmless, but can cause serious illness when they enter the body through an open wound – and some Staphylococcus species can cause more damage than others.

Take Staphylococcus aureus, which is quite contagious and can cause skin infections, pneumonia and make acne worse. Not only does S. aureus live on pillowcases, but research also shows that some strains are resistant to antibiotics.

Research also shows that alongside Staphylococcus, E coli and other similar bacteria, known as Gram-negative bacteria, are also common in hospital beds. Gram-negative bacteria are a serious health problem because they are very resistant to antibiotics and can cause serious human infections, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, meningitis, and sepsis if they get into the body. organization.

Some strains of E coli can also be very infectious and cause urinary tract infections, traveler’s diarrhea and pneumonia. This is why it is important to wash your hands well after using the toilet to avoid transferring this bacteria to other parts of your home.

Of course, hospitals are very different from our home environment. But that doesn’t mean that it’s still not possible for these bacteria to get into our beds. In fact, about a third of people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their body. People with S. aureus can excrete the body in large numbers, which means that it would be quite easy for Staphylococcus bacteria to be transferred to your bed at home.

Bugs

You lose around 500 million skin cells a day – by sleeping in bed. These skin cells can attract and be eaten by microscopic mites. These mites and their feces can trigger allergies and even asthma.

Bed bugs can also be a danger. While these tiny insects (about 5mm long) have not been shown to transmit disease, they can cause red itchy bite marks, as well as a variety of mental health effects including anxiety, insomnia and allergies.

Bed bugs can be carried into homes on soft surfaces, such as clothes or backpacks, or by other family members.

Washing and drying bed linen at a high temperature (around 55 ℃) will kill mites, but bed bugs may need to be professionally exterminated.

Domestic germs

You can also bring germs to your bed from contaminated household items, such as clothes, towels, a toilet or tub, kitchen surfaces, or even pets.

Bathroom and kitchen towels are home to a variety of bacterial species, including S aureus and E coli. Improper washing can also spread these germs to other items, including our linens. Even illnesses like gonorrhea can be transmitted through contaminated towels or sheets.

Different microbial species will survive on tissues for different periods of time. S aureus, for example, can survive for a week on cotton and two weeks on terrycloth. And fungal species (such as Candida albicans, which can cause oral thrush, urinary tract infections, and genital yeast infections) can survive on tissue for up to a month.

Influenza viruses can also survive on tissues and tissues for 8 to 12 hours. Some other types of viruses, such as vaccinia virus, can live on wool and cotton for up to 14 weeks.

Bed hygiene

Proper and regular washing is essential to ensure that germs do not turn into a real health threat. But how often should you change your bed linen?

Since we can’t wash our sheets every day, one thing you can do on a daily basis is air them out every morning. Since moisture collects in it while we sleep, pulling the comforter back so that the sheets can breathe before making the bed means your sheets and mattress become a less attractive nesting place for bacteria. and mites.

Mattresses can also be a great source of bacteria and microbes due to the buildup of skin dandruff, food particles, and fungus over the years. Since it’s difficult to wash a mattress, using a washable cover – and washing it every week or two – can help reduce the number of germs that live in it. Vacuuming your mattress and box spring each month will also help remove allergens and dust. Turn your mattress often or buy a new one if it is over ten years old.

It is recommended that you wash your bedding weekly (or more often if possible) – especially if you spend a lot of time in bed, sleep naked, or sweat a lot at night. It is also recommended to change the pillowcases every two or three days.

All linens should be washed in warm to high temperatures (around 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius) in order to effectively kill germs. Avoid overloading washing machines and use enough soap and make sure bed linen is completely dry before using.

Showering before bed, avoiding sweaty naps or lying down, removing makeup, and avoiding lotions, creams and oils right before bed can all help keep laundry cleaner between washes. Not eating or drinking in bed, keeping pets out of your sheets, and removing dirty socks will also help.

(The author is Senior Lecturer, Medical Microbiology, University of Westminster)