If you think your toilet seat has nasty and unhealthy bacteria, wait till you read what this study has found!
As per a report by the National Sleep Foundation, an American non-profit organization, pillow cases that have not been washed for almost a week carry more bacteria than the toilet seat. “Bedding, including sheets and pillowcases, can accumulate a significant amount of bacteria over time if not cleaned regularly. After four weeks without washing, both pillowcases and sheets may contain millions of colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch,” the report says.
“After one week of sleeping on your pillowcase it accumulates over 17,000 more bacteria than a toilet seat, or over 3 to 5 million colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch,” the report says.
“Common types of bacteria found in bedding include gram-negative rods, gram-positive rods, bacilli, and gram-positive cocci. Some of these bacteria can potentially cause infections, while others are less harmful.”
Potential threats you are being exposed to by sleeping on unclean pillow cases
Sleeping on dirty pillowcases can subject you to numerous types of bacteria, fungi, and allergens, which can cause a range of health problems. Acne and skin irritation are just two of the common issues. Pillowcases become saturated with oil, sweat, dead skin, and bacteria, clogging pores and causing breakouts or exacerbating conditions like eczema and rosacea. Fungal infections like ringworm may also form if mold or yeast grows on moist, dirty material.
Respiratory problems are another issue. Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander collect in pillowcases, which can cause allergies or exacerbate asthma. Symptoms can be sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and shortness of breath. Chronic respiratory diseases can be made worse by long-term exposure to these allergens.
Bacterial infections such as staphylococcus (staph infection) and streptococcus can also be transmitted through dirty pillowcases. If the face has open cuts or acne, infections can be caused by bacteria from unwashed clothing. Fungal spores can cause dandruff or scalp infections.
In severe cases, long-term use of dirty pillowcases can even contain bed bugs or lice, causing skin itchiness and irritation. To avoid these harms, one should wash pillowcases weekly and practice good hygiene for improved health and quality sleep.
