For many of us, making the bed is a non-negotiable part of the morning routine. There’s something deeply satisfying about smoothing out the sheets, plumping the pillows, and stepping back to admire a tidy, inviting space. But what if the way you make your bed could actually be doing more harm than good?
A recent viral video has sparked heated debate online after a man revealed his unique method for making the bed: he does it from inside the bed, before even getting up.
While some viewers praised his efficiency, others were quick to brand the technique ‘crazy’—and a few even warned it could be a health hazard.
Conor O’Brien, the content creator behind this viral video, claims it’s a ‘wonderful way’ to start the day—and something he’s never seen done before.
Upon waking, he props up his pillows, tucks in the duvet, and shimmies his way out, leaving a perfectly made bed behind. ‘Can you imagine the rush?’ he enthuses. ‘First thing in the morning, you roll out of bed. Wait a minute! My bed’s already made! It is a wonderful way to start the day.’
It’s certainly a clever time-saver, and for those with mobility issues or who simply want to streamline their mornings, it might sound like a dream come true. But as with many viral hacks, there’s more to the story.
While the US-based content creator method might look neat, sleep and health experts are raising red flags. The main concern? By making your bed immediately—and especially while still inside it—you’re trapping in the heat and moisture your body released overnight.
Dr Tania Elliott, based in New York, warns that this habit can lock in moisture and dirt, creating the perfect environment for dust mites and other allergens to thrive. ‘I wait a couple of hours, let my bed air out, and make my bed more in the middle of the day as opposed to first thing in the morning,’ she advises.
The Sleep Council backs this up, noting that the average adult loses around 285ml of fluid each night through sweat and breath. If you make your bed straight away, the moisture from your body can become trapped between the sheets and mattress, creating an ideal environment for dust mites, which thrive in warm, damp conditions.
Over time, this can also lead to unpleasant odours and contribute to the discolouration and deterioration of both your mattress and bedding.
Mattress experts at And So To Bed recommend pulling back your bed linen each morning to allow your mattress to breathe and for moisture to evaporate. This is especially important during the warmer months, when we tend to sweat more at night.
For some, the ritual of making the bed first thing is non-negotiable—a way to start the day with a sense of accomplishment. For others, the health risks outweigh the benefits, and they’re happy to let their bed ‘breathe’ for a while.
Remember, sometimes, the best way to start the day is with a deep breath, a stretch, and a little patience—especially when it comes to your bed.
What’s your morning routine? Do you make your bed as soon as you get up, or do you let it air out first? Have you tried any unusual bed-making hacks? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: The truth about 1,000 thread count bedding—should you splurge or save?
I live alone have no one to impress and never make the bed except when changing the sheets
I get out of bed, go to the loo, shower, dress, then make the bed, after my ‘poor old bones’ have had time to ‘warm up’, especially in winter when it’s very hard to move first thing in the morning.