The bedroom is supposed to be a cozy sanctuary, where one can rest and reset for the next day. But what if we tell you, there might be something harmful lurking in your bedroom? Yes, that’s right. Your bedroom could harbour harmful health risks that often hide in plain sight. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has now shared a list of items commonly found in the bedroom that could pose serious harm to your health and overall well-being. “Did you know your bedroom might be silently affecting your gut, sleep, and long-term health?” the gut doctor said in a video shared on Instagram. Let’s take a look.Old pillows
If you are someone who has a habit of holding on to old things (yes, even your ex), maybe it’s time to rethink that. Old pillows can accumulate dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time. All of these can mess with your skin, sinuses, and sleep. Dr. Sethi recommends replacing pillows every 1–2 years. Trust us, your health (and your neck) will thank you. Regular washing of pillows can help. But pillows tend to lose their ability to stay clean after a couple of years. You can also use hypoallergenic pillows or those with removable, washable covers for better sleep hygiene.Synthetic air fresheners
A nice-smelling bedroom is what dreams are made of. But oftentimes, this smell comes at the expense of your health. Synthetic air fresheners, which we use to keep bedrooms smelling pleasant, may pose serious health risks. Most of the air fresheners contain phthalates, chemicals linked to reproductive harm, asthma, and hormonal disruption. They release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues and headaches. Though most of us think air fresheners are harmless, they aren’t. Along with the pleasant smell, you might be spraying toxins into your bedrooms. So, what does one do? Forget about a pleasant-smelling bedroom? No, you can go for natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or ventilation to improve air quality. Simple changes like opening a window or using a few drops of lavender oil can foster a safer, calming scent.
Worn-out mattresses
It’s never a good idea to lean on old mattresses, just because purchasing a new one feels like a commitment, doesn’t mean you should settle. Worn-out mattresses can harm your health in multiple ways. Over time, mattresses lose support and start hoarding dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, and even mold. If your mattress is over 7–10 years old and you’re waking up sore or tired, it’s a clear sign. It’s time to buy a new one. Such mattresses can significantly lower sleep quality and also lead to chronic back pain.
