Bed Habits: What Do Brits Put on Their Beds?

At Bensons for Beds, we’re dedicated to ensuring you get the best sleep possible. However, our latest survey reveals some surprising habits that could be affecting the quality of your sleep. In our recent "Bed Habits" campaign, we asked 2,000 people across the UK about their bedtime routines and what they place on their beds. Here are the eye-opening results and some tips to help you maintain a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

When we asked Brits about the items they commonly place or have on their beds, mobile phones were the most common, with 59% of respondents admitting to taking their phones to bed. Here's a closer look at the top responses:

Mobile Phones: A Bedtime Staple

Three in five Brits (59%) admit they don’t clean their mobile phone before using it in bed, which is concerning given the amount of germs phones can carry. Only 15% of people take the time to clean their phones before bedtime, with Londoners being the most diligent (20%).

Worn Clothing: A Common Habit

Almost one in five (18%) Brits sit or get into bed in clothing that hasn't been washed and has been worn outside. Over half (56%) do this at least once a week. Conversely, less than a quarter (24%) say they never get into bed in worn clothing.

Regionally, Norwich residents are the least likely to get into bed in worn clothing, with 36% claiming they never do this. On the other end of the spectrum, Glasgow residents are the most likely, with only 15% saying they never get into bed in worn clothing.

Why Shouldn’t You Put Everyday Items on Your Bed?

To understand the consequences of placing these items on the bed, Bensons for Beds talked with The Essex House Dolly, Nicola Rodriguez. Qualified interior designer and expert in all things cleaning, Nicola shared the following reasons to keep your bed clear.

Bacteria

“It has been estimated that people touch their phone hundreds if not thousands of times a day. Whilst many of us wash our hands regularly going to the bathroom, cooking, cleaning, or gardening, we are much less likely to consider washing our hands after using our mobile phones.. With this in mind, germs such as these include the diarrhoea-inducing E. coli (which, by the way, comes from human poo) and the skin-infecting Staphylococcus, as well as Actinobacteria, which can cause tuberculosis and diphtheria, Citrobacter, which can lead to painful urinary tract infections, and Enterococcus, which is known to cause meningitis. Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus have also been found on phones and all can have equally nasty effects on humans.”

Skin Issues

“Leaving your dirty clothes on your bed is also a huge no. Leaving these on your bed can cause infections, rashes, acne, and even bring in fleas.”

Bed Bugs

“Believe it or not, grubby books and magazines are also a no to leave on your bed. It turns out that tiny bed bugs and their eggs can hide in the spines of hardcover books. The bugs crawl out at night to feed, find a new home in a headboard, and soon readers are enjoying not only plot twists but post-bite sores!

Luggage is actually so important not to put on your bed. Try to keep a suitcase from touching walls and carpet and beds when you arrive at your destination, as it might reduce the likelihood of bedbugs 'climbing aboard' because the luggage has reduced points of contact, but bed bugs, as with most insects, can climb really well. You also do not know what your luggage may have come into contact with on your travels.

Additionally, the contents of your suitcase, like clothes, toiletries, and shoes, can also introduce and contain microbes. The longer you wait to unpack and clean, the more likely your suitcase will breed germs and bacteria, infect things in your home, and frankly, start to stink.”

Tips for a Cleaner, Healthier Bed

To improve your sleep hygiene and overall health, consider the following tips:

1. Keep Your Phone Clean: Regularly clean your mobile phone with a disinfectant wipe to reduce germs.
2. Avoid Using Worn Clothing in Bed: Change into clean pyjamas before going to bed to prevent bringing dirt and germs into your sleep space.
3. Limit Bedtime Clutter: Avoid placing items like used towels, shopping bags, and handbags on your bed to maintain a clean environment.
4. Regularly Change Bed Linens: Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week to keep your bed fresh and hygienic. Keep your mattress clean, too.
5. Create a Tech-Free Zone: Consider banning electronic devices from your bed to improve sleep quality and reduce distractions.

By adopting these simple habits, you can create a cleaner, healthier, and more restful sleeping environment.

For more tips and advice on getting a better night’s sleep, visit our Sleep Hub.