Scientists say we shouldn't make our beds

The key to victory is discipline, and that means a well made bed. Or does it?

It turns out being messy actually comes with a whole host of benefits.

Previous studies have shown that people with untidy workspaces are better at problem solving and can be more creative.

We've all seen Tracey Emin's messy bed right?

Like something out of Roald Dahl's The Witches, a study by Kingston University has proven that dirtier is in fact better.

Why? We hear you ask. Well, it all comes down to dust mites.

The 2005 study revealed that these terrifying looking creatures are more likely to survive in a nice, clean well made bed.

It turns out that making your bed in the morning before you to work can actually trap the dust mites inside the bedding, and give them the perfect little playground.

Inside those neatly folder sheets and perfectly plumped pillows conditions are prime for mites to breed and do other disgusting mite-things.

And once they've done that, the microscopic critters will feed on human skin cells, and leave behind excretions that can cause asthma-like symptoms.

All they need is a little moisture from the atmosphere and a dark place to live and they're good to go.

But if you leave your bed un-made, the mites are then exposed to air and sunlight, affectively drying them out.

The author of the study, Dr Stephen Pretlove, explained why the mites just can't handle fresh air.

We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body...Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die.

Eugh. The more you know, right?

HT Simple Most and Kingston

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