It should be reserved for two things only: sleep and sex
Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for, well, everything. But if you're sharing your bed with one of these seven things, you might be putting your health — and sanity — at risk.
1. Your phone
Actually, you shouldn't take any electronics to bed and that includes
your laptop and e-reader, too. Not only are there some seriously bad side effects of nighttime light exposure
(obesity, depression, and insomnia), but it's also a safety hazard.
There have been some reports that phones with faulty chargers can catch
flame. Plus, any time you hear a buzz, beep, or a light goes off, your
sleep is interrupted.
And if not used properly, electronic blankets also pose a risk. Make sure to place it on top of your other bedding — never underneath.
2. Your pet
According to research presented at SLEEP 2014,
many pet owners who share their beds with their dog or cat reported
that they wake up at least once in the middle of the night. And almost
two thirds of the participants admitted to having poorer sleep overall
when sleeping with their furry friends.
There's another reason you should ban Fido and Fluffy from your bed. They're also kind of dirty. Even if you're on top of your pet's hygiene, they could still be crawling with pollen and dander, which could cause a nasty allergic reaction. We're sneezing just thinking about it.
3. A noisy bed mate
Yes,
we know you're probably not going to kick your hubby out of the bed,
but if he snores, kicks, etc., it can affect your sleep. Actually, as
long as you're not sleeping in separate beds to avoid intimacy or sex,
many doctors agree that sleeping apart might be better for your sleep quality.
If you're already sleeping apart, don't worry, you are not alone: According to one study, almost 40% of couples reported sleeping apart.
4. Your kid
If you're like this mom,
you know that letting Junior climb into bed will ruin a night of
perfect zzz's. But sleeping with your child is not only disruptive, it
can also be dangerous: Co-sleeping can put your baby at risk for sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
5. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
It may feel comfortable, but eating in bed is actually kind of gross.
Any crumb left over is a signal to bugs and other nasty things to come
crawling. So unless you want to share your bed with a cockroach or two,
keep food in the kitchen and wash your sheets regularly.
6. Your purse
If you're anything like us, as soon as you get home you plop your purse on your bed. Don't EVER do that again. According to one UK study,
your purse is practically the dirtiest thing you own — it's even
grimier than your toilet seat. In fact, the outside is crawling with
bacteria. So keep your purse off your bed and on a hook. Better yet,
wipe it down with disinfecting wipes regularly.
7. A book
Yes, even reading in bed can hurt your sleep patterns. Actually,
engaging in any activity before bed that requires concentration
(watching TV, checking your cellphone, doing a crossword puzzle) can cause poor sleep the rest of the night.