America’s Dirty Sleeping Habits Revealed
In a recent survey conducted by MattressNextDay, Americans exposed their dirty bedroom habits, shedding light on some surprising trends in hygiene practices.
So, how hygienic is the American bedtime routine? The report below offers insightful findings about how many Americans co-sleep with their pets, brush their teeth at night, wash their bed sheets amongst other critical aspects that impact the hygiene of bedtime.
MattressNextDay CEO Martin Seely also offers expert insight on why everyone should be prioritizing creating a healthier, more hygienic sleep environment.
66% of Americans let their pets sleep in their bed, exposing them to diseases
A recent report found that animals including dogs carry certain intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks that can increase human illness [1].
The survey found that dog owners led the way in letting them co-sleep, with three-quarters admitting to sleeping with their furry companions, closely followed by 55% of cat owners.
Four in 10 Americans wash their bedsheets every two to four weeks
Despite recommendations to wash bedsheets weekly, the survey revealed that nearly 40% of Americans opt for a less frequent schedule, with 25% washing their sheets every two weeks and 9% waiting a month between washes.
Notably, more than half of respondents admitted to not washing before bedtime each night, highlighting the importance of maintaining regular cleaning routines to combat bacteria buildup.
41% of Americans rarely – or never – flip their mattress
Regularly flipping or rotating a mattress can significantly extend its lifespan by preventing wear and tear on coils and reducing lumps and bumps.
However, the survey found that 41% of Americans neglect this practice, with only 15% adhering to the recommended six-month rotation schedule.
One-third of Americans don’t always brush their teeth before bed!
Maintaining oral hygiene before bedtime is crucial for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Despite this, the survey revealed that only 65% of Americans consistently brush their teeth before sleeping, with 17% admitting to occasionally, rarely, or never doing so.
Other activities Americans get up to in bed besides sleeping
Whilst most popular activities like watching TV and scrolling on your phone aren’t causing a mess; nearly half of Americans say they eat food in bed, alongside 21% saying they smoke or vape, and 11% saying they exercise.
Commenting on the findings, Martin Seeley CEO at MattressNextDay said: “These findings have highlighted the importance of prioritizing cleanliness in the bedroom to avoid the accumulation of dirt, sweat, and bacteria.
Regular washing of bedding, consistent oral hygiene practices, and proper mattress maintenance are essential for promoting a healthy sleep environment.”
Source
2,000 survey respondents from 3Gem.
Methodology
The "America’s Dirty Sleeping Habits" report is the result of a comprehensive national survey conducted by MattressNextDay. The survey involved 2,000 participants from across the US.
Boilerplate
MattressNextDay is a leading online mattress retailer, operating since 2004. They specialize in competitive prices and free, fast next-day delivery, as well as other services such as mattress removal and recycling. They offer 1000s of mattresses, beds and bedding products, from multiple prestigious brands, including Hypnos, Silentnight, Sealy & Tempur. MattressNextDay also provides sleep and product advice, from both their buying guides and dedicated sleep blog, ‘Snooze News’. Their CEO, Martin Seeley, is a recognised Sleep Expert, regularly giving specialist advice to a number of renowned publications, such as The Guardian, Daily Mail and The Independent.
