Why you should never make your bed as soon as you get up

MAKING your bed each morning is often associated with having your life together.

It can make us feel organised, disciplined and tidy.

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But pulling up the covers, throwing on a pretty blanket and fluffing your pillows could actually be doing damage to your health.

Now, this might sound sound counter-intuitive, but several studies have suggested that making your bed as soon as you wake up might put some people at risk of a serious condition.

According to US , made-up beds can be a breeding ground for dust mites, which can trigger asthma and allergies attacks.

This is because the pesky little critters tend to thrive in warm, damp climates - just like your bed after you wake up.

And with temperatures in the UK reaching 32C this week, it's more important than usual keep your bed aired.

To avoid an infestation, Martin Seeley, sleep expert at , suggested people don't make their bed within the first 30 minutes of getting up.

He said: "Allowing your bedding to remain unmade for a while gives it exposure to natural sunlight. 

"Natural sunlight can play a role in preventing the accumulation of dust mites and has disinfectant properties which can kill some bacteria and mites, further reducing potential health risks."

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Studies suggest around 6.7million people in the UK are allergic to dust mites.

If you're one of these unlucky people, you might notice symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

The only way to confirm if you have an allergy is to ask your GP to refer you for a skin prick or blood test. 

If you have asthma and are allergic to dust mites, they can trigger an asthma attack, according to charity .