We all know that we should avoid staying in damp clothes for too long. But did you know that sleeping in damp sheets can be just as bad? It may not seem like a big deal, but it could be contributing to your chronic pain and fatigue!
Table of Contents
- Why do people like to sleep on damp sheets?
- Are there any benefits to placing damp sheets on the bed?
- What’s the problem with sleeping in damp sheets?
- How does damp bedding harm your health?
- How can you solve the problem of sleeping in damp sheets?
- Conclusion: Sleeping in damp sheets – is it a bad idea?
Why do people like to sleep on damp sheets?
We all love that amazing feeling of climbing into bed after a hot shower. It’s the only time our feet are warm, and there’s nothing better than curling up under your soft duvet with wet hair!
For some people, though, this is not an occasional indulgence. Instead, they actually choose to go to sleep on damp sheets in order to keep cool throughout the night.
The trouble is, it’s not actually great for your long term health.
Are there any benefits to placing damp sheets on the bed?
There is a housekeeping hack about putting damp sheets on the bed. It is said that if you put your sheet on your mattress while it is still slightly damp, it will dry flat without wrinkles. This does away with needing to iron your sheet. However, it’s important to let the sheet dry out completely before you actually try to sleep on it.
What’s the problem with sleeping in damp sheets?
If you live in an area where humidity levels are so high that you usually wake up with damp sheets, you will want to know why it’s an issue.
Skin complaints
Exposure to humidity can cause problems for your skin, hair and nails. If you suffer from dry skin or itchy skin, sleeping in damp sheets could make this worse.
Read also: Do silk sheets make you sweat?
Reduces sleep quality
It also affects the quality of your sleep.
Mold growth
Dampness can also cause mold to grow, and this can be a health hazard. Mould spores can cause respiratory problems, and they are especially dangerous for people with asthma or allergies.
Bed bugs and pests
Damp sheets can attract bed bugs and other pests, which can then infest your bed.
How does damp bedding harm your health?
When your sheets are damp, you’ll notice that it feels a little colder than usual. It may not seem like a big deal, but this is because the dampness is drawing heat from your body. Over time, this can make you feel tired and fatigued – even during the day!
In addition, damp sheets can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
How can you solve the problem of sleeping in damp sheets?
If you are finding it difficult to get rid of the dampness in your bedroom, there are a few things you can do:
- Invest in a good quality bed linen set that wicks away moisture
- Hang your sheets to dry after washing them
- Buy a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in the room
- Use a fan to circulate air
- Invest in an air conditioning unit
Also read our full guide on why your bed feels damp at night and how to solve it.
Conclusion: Sleeping in damp sheets – is it a bad idea?
Sleeping in damp sheets can have some serious health consequences, so it’s important to take steps to stay dry. By following these steps, it should be possible to keep your sheets dry and make sure you get a good night’s sleep!
Although I agree that sleeping on wet bedding is not great for your skin and it can cause problems if your bed is always damp, there are times when it’s beneficial.
Something my husband and learned as we did missionary work in the tropics: If it’s so unbearably hot that we can’t sleep, I always wet a sheet, wring it out, and sleep under a wet sheet with an over head fan or an oscillating fan blowing towards the bed (If there’s the luxury of electricity!) The trick is to lay as still as possible so that the sheet isn’t clinging to you. It’s almost as good as air-conditioning. By morning, the sheet is usually dry and I’ve slept far better than I would have sweating it out in the suffocating tropical heat. My husband does not like this cooling method so he stays on his side, sheetless. To each their own.
Hints to keep it healthy:
1. Don’t make the bed in the morning so if the mattress is damp it will have a chance to dry. Let the fan blow on the bed to help dry it off.
2. Hang the “sleeping sheet” up to dry every morning.
3. Wash the “sleeping sheet” every couple of days and let it completely dry in the sunshine so it’s always fresh and clean. Wash the rest of the sheets at least weekly.
4. Bleach kills mold and all manner of bacteria and viruses too, so white sheets that can be bleached are better than colored sheets.
5. 100% cotton that has a lower thread count breathes more and is cheaper to replace than fancy sheets, which is important with all of that washing and bleaching going on.
Since electricity has become so expensive in the US, I’ve stopped using the AirCo, and I’m using the wet sheet cooling system here too. Thankfully we only have about 6 to 8 weeks of really hot summer weather where we live, so it’s not something we have to endure year round.
Of course, there will be people who can’t tolerate bleach, or who have skin reactions or who just can’t stand the feeling of a wet sheet on them, but if you don’t have a lot of money and you need to sleep through a hot night, this can help.