Experts warn that the intense summer heat causes significant sweating during sleep, making bedding a fertile environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. They revealed how sweating at night can lead to the proliferation of bacteria in pillowcases, making them "dirtier than toilets" if not washed regularly.
In an interview with "Wales Online," Dr. Gareth Nye, the head of the medical science program, stated, "Your pillowcases can be considered dirtier than the toilet. The good news is that this bacteria is most likely from you in the first place, so it isn’t harmful." The medical expert encourages washing pillowcases and sheets once a week to avoid germ accumulation and bacterial growth.
An unwashed pillowcase can harbor 3 million types of bacteria after just one week, which is about 17 thousand times more than the average amount found on a toilet seat. Real Simple also noted that after one week without washing, pillowcases averaged 3 million types of bacteria per square inch (2.5 cm). Most individuals lose between 500 ml to 700 ml of sweat on an average night, while bed sheets or sleepwear absorb at least 200 ml of this sweat, according to Nye’s study.
He added, "The body replaces skin cells, leading to the shedding of skin cells. With individuals losing an average of 500 million skin cells daily (mostly during the night), the body also produces other secretions, leading to additional fluid loss through saliva."
If neglected, further problems can arise, such as fungi or dust mites proliferating on dead skin cells, which can leave waste that causes allergies and asthma. Nye pointed out, "One study found that the typical pillow contains up to 16 different types of fungi and millions of fungal germs."
In a prior study, experts warned that making your bed immediately after waking can increase bacteria growth due to trapping moist air under the covers, facilitating rapid reproduction of harmful bacteria. Experts agree that people should allow their beds to breathe during the summer and change sheets more frequently. Nye suggests avoiding bedding made from polyester and using covers made of cotton or linen.
