How often should one change the bed sheets?

Recently someone asked me how often they should wash their sheets and bed clothing. That is one of the true questions for the ages and one I have been asked before.   The answer to the question is simple but complex depending on the situation in your bed. A recent story airing on NPR dealt with this issue.

Some simple facts are that we as humans shed 500 million skin cells each and every day. Another fact that we may not like to face is that dust mites are alive and view us as the best all you can eat establishment in town. Dust mites inhabit our homes and specifically our beds.  They are not alone. They can bring a variety of viruses, fungi and bacteria buddies with them. Why not bring the whole crew?  Our beds and bodies are warm and moist and a perfect place for that crew to eat, lay, poop and grow.

Our pillows are an even more welcoming place for that crew to live in a life of luxury. Each night we puff up our pillows and go to bed. Often people sweat in their heads at night, and this provides an ideal place for a fungus to grow.  They have the moisture from our sweaty heads, the dust mites poo provides food for them, the heat from our heads and bodies provides fabulous conditions for these organisms to breed and grow.

If you eat a midnight snack in your bed, the crumbs created from that smack serve as a dessert for dust mites, viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Another fact to consider is if you bathe before going to bed you have removed some of the food for the bed critter crew.

Now the next thing to consider is if your beloved pets are allowed to sleep on your bed, they bring their own set of bacteria, fungi and viruses to the mix.

So, taking all these facts into consideration, how often should you wash your sheets, wash your spreads and comforters, and wash your pillows?  

Most people do not wash their pillows much but when you consider the pillow is in contact with the mouth and all it carries, reconsideration may be in order.

Certain people with asthma and other respiratory diseases may want to wash their pillows more often. A problem may arise in making sure pillows get completely dry. Make sure you also wash pillows in hot water.

Researchers suggest that people should get new pillows every two years. If you have respiratory problems new pillows are recommended every three to six months.

Sheets and bedding should be washed at least weekly. Ironing the sheets will also kill off the bugs so it is recommended, but who has time for that? I would also recommend using hot water to kill off as many bugs as possible.  

I once had a patient, who changed his sheets and towels daily. Perhaps he had it right.

Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.