Why Make Your Bed?

The bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. It’s where you rest, relax and recharge each night, so it’s worth the effort to keep it looking neat and tidy. It’s also a great place to start the habit of daily cleaning, which can extend to other areas in your home like putting away laundry or hanging up coats after you come back inside.

There are many reasons to make your bed each day, but the biggest is probably that it gives you a quick sense of accomplishment and helps set a positive, productive mindset for the rest of your day. It’s also a good way to prevent dust mites, fleas and other critters from making their homes in your mattress, where they can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle.

Getting a good night’s sleep contributes to healthy weight, an elevated mood and better health overall. And, in a study into personality types, people who made their beds were found to be more successful than those who didn’t. So, the five minutes it takes to smooth and flip your sheets is well worth the rewards!

Another reason to make your bed is that it helps protect your mattress and prolongs its lifespan. Over time, a mattress loses its shape and support and may even develop sagging or lumps that lead to uncomfortable sleep. If you notice any of these signs, consider replacing your mattress.

If you’re on the hunt for a new mattress, try to visit the store in person and see if the model feels comfortable and supportive for your sleep style. You can also test out the firmness level to see if it’s right for you.

Finally, check the mattress return policy to see if you’re eligible to exchange it or get a refund if you decide that it’s not a good fit. Keep in mind that some brands require a minimum use period to be eligible for a return, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

If you’re struggling to get into the habit of making your bed, it might help to have a buddy system with your roommates or family members. Try divvying up the chore or simply agreeing to do it each morning before you get out of bed. Just don’t forget to keep each other accountable — a messy bed isn’t the best way to start your day! Sarah Vanbuskirk is an experienced writer and editor who covers a variety of lifestyle and family-related topics. Her work has been published in a range of print and online publications, including The Spruce, Activity Connection, Glamour, PDX Parent, Verywell Fit, TripSavvy and Marie Claire. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and three kids. For more information, visit her website.