Every morning, millions of sleepers roll out of bed and start their daily routines. Brewing coffee, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, walking dogs – and for some, making beds. However, if you fall on the side of folks who opt not to make their beds each morning, you’re surprisingly in the minority. According to a National Sleep Foundation bedroom poll, nearly 70% of Americans prefer to complete this task.* Additionally, another poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds each morning are 19% more likely to report a good night's sleep every night.*

Research also shows a correlation between living in an organized environment and improved focus, lowered stress levels, better goal setting, and more.** Essentially, a tidy space fosters a happy mind! On the other hand, individuals with messier homes may be more prone to poor emotional regulation, executive functioning, and mental health – as well as increased stress.**

Nearly 40 million Americans report suffering from sleep disorders and millions more report less than adequate sleep.^ Poor sleep is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure – and in extreme cases – even death. Making your bed each morning won’t solve every sleep problem, but it may help you feel more productive throughout the day – and a sense of calm and accomplishment as you fall asleep may improve your overall sleep quality.

While there may be certain health benefits associated with making your bed, there could be at least one negative side effect to also consider. In a 2001 study, researchers found that a neatly made bed is more likely to breed germs, while an unmade bed allows for air and light to penetrate the mattress.^^ Luckily, washing and changing your bedding regularly helps greatly reduce this concern.

Tips for Trying a New Routine

If you’d like to adjust your morning routine, we recommend the following tips to ensure making the bed becomes your first checkmark of the day:

1. Tie the activity to something you already do daily. If you brush your hair in your room, begin this process by first making your bed. Over time, you’ll naturally finish this task before moving on to the rest of your day.
2. Make it right the first time. No matter how you choose to make your bed, approaching the task with care will save you time and energy.
3. Set a reminder on your phone each morning so you have a gentle reminder.
4. Only you can hold yourself accountable.
5. The process can be as simple or complicated as you like. If you have a lot of throw pillows, try reducing them as you first start out. This will help you jump into a quick and efficient process.

Ultimately, making your bed each morning is a personal choice. Regardless of your preference, remember to take good care of your mattress and bedding – healthy sleep promotes a healthy life! You can review our recommended tips and tricks here.

_Sources:

_{*National Sleep Foundation}

_{**BMJ Open}

_{^SU.S. Department of Health and Human Services}

_{^^National Library of Medicine}