The Surprising Psychology
Making your bed might seem like a small, even pointless task, especially when you're just going to mess it up again in another 17 hours or so. But this tiny act is anything but insignificant. Research shows that bed making has a real psychological impact, helping you feel more in control, reducing anxiety, and even boosting daily productivity.
According to Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, small keystone habits (like making your bed) can set off a chain reaction of other positive behaviors. People who make their bed regularly are more likely to stick to budgets, exercise consistently, and report better sleep hygiene overall. It also makes us happier.
In fact, Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, found that making your bed was one of the most common habits tied to happiness. Why? Because it’s a low-effort, high-reward task that makes you feel good.
There’s also a physiological component. When you complete a small task like making your bed, your brain releases a small dose of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that fuels motivation. That tiny win creates momentum. And on stressful days, returning to a bed that’s neatly made can feel like a rare moment of control in an otherwise unpredictable world.
Even mental health experts take note. Therapists often recommend bed-making as a grounding habit for clients dealing with anxiety or depression, because it helps rebuild a sense of stability and structure.
Put simply: you don’t make your bed for how it looks, you make it for how it makes you feel. And over time, that feeling shapes your mood, your habits, and even your sleep.
The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Your Bed Like a Pro
Want to make your bed look hotel-worthy without spending 20 minutes fluffing pillows? Here's the best way to make your bed every morning, broken down step by step.
How to Make Your Bed:
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Start with a clean slate. Strip your bed weekly and wash all sheets. Fresh bedding = fresh start.
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Smooth out the fitted sheet. Tug all corners tight so the base feels flat and firm.
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Pull the top sheet up. Let it hang evenly on both sides, then tuck it under the mattress at the foot.
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Add your blanket or duvet. Shake it out, lay it flat, and smooth wrinkles. If it’s a duvet, give it a fluff.
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Layer throw blankets (optional). Fold a blanket at the foot of the bed for texture and extra warmth.
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Fluff and place your pillows. Stack sleeping pillows first, then layer decorative pillows in front.
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Final touch: realign and smooth. A few seconds of straightening gives that polished, intentional look.
Done right, the whole process should take 2–3 minutes. And if you need a reason beyond appearances, keep reading.
The Health & Hygiene Factor
What Happens When You Don't Make Your Bed?
Let’s get real: your bed is a magnet for dust, skin cells, sweat, and allergens. When left unmade, the warm, dark folds of sheets and blankets become the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria.
This is especially important for people with allergies or asthma. According to the American Lung Association, dust mites thrive in mattresses and bedding, and their droppings are a major indoor allergen.
Leaving your bed messy all day lets moisture and body oils settle in. And if your mattress isn’t made of breathable, natural materials, it may trap heat and allergens, leading to poor air quality and poor sleep.
That's why your bed-making routine should be paired with a mattress that supports clean, healthy sleep.
The Foundation
Why Your Mattress Must Be Clean and Breathable
A beautifully made bed is only as good as what’s underneath it.
Most mattresses trap heat, dust, and even emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from synthetic foams. These can off-gas into your bedroom air and disrupt your breathing, skin, and sleep cycles.
Essentia’s mattresses are built differently. Our patented technology uses natural memory foam made from organic latex, which is:
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Allergen-resistant: No toxic glues, no dust-trapping foams.
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Breathable: Actively regulates temperature to keep you cool and dry.
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Non-toxic: GOLS and GOTS certified materials that support clean indoor air.
Want to learn more about turning your bedroom into a health-focused sleep space? Check out our guide: How to Make Your Bedroom an Oasis
Essential Bedding Checklist
The Layers You Need for Deep Sleep
Think beyond the basics. Your bedding works with your mattress to regulate temperature, comfort, and skin contact all night.
Here’s what we recommend for the perfect sleep system:
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Organic cotton or linen sheets: Breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle on skin.
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Lightweight seasonal blankets: Swap between layers based on the weather.
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Natural duvet insert: Filled with organic wool or cotton for breathable insulation.
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Allergen-proof mattress protector: Shields against dust mites without blocking airflow.
Avoid synthetic or heavy materials that trap heat. You want your bedding to breathe and move with you, not suffocate your skin.
Pillows & Posture
Selecting the Right Support for Your Sleep Style
While your pillow may be a priority for your comfort, it’s also a structural part of your sleep posture. When paired with the right mattress, a good pillow maintains neutral spine alignment, which prevents neck and back pain.
Here’s what to look for based on sleep style:
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Back sleepers: Medium-loft pillow that supports the neck’s natural curve.
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Side sleepers: Higher loft and firmer material to fill the space between ear and shoulder.
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Stomach sleepers: Thin, soft pillow, or none at all, to avoid straining the neck.
Think of your pillow and mattress as a team: your mattress supports the base of your spine, your pillow completes the alignment from the top.
Creating a "Sleep Sanctuary"
Scent, Light, and Sound Matter More Than You Think
A made bed is a great start but your whole room affects how well you sleep.
Want to build a true sleep sanctuary? Focus on your senses:
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Light: Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to remove blue light exposure.
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Sound: White noise machines or calming nature sounds can help block disruptive noise.
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Scent: Lavender, chamomile, or cedarwood essential oils can prime your brain for rest.
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Touch: Soft, breathable textures help the body relax faster.
Want to enhance your bedtime wind-down? See our guides on the benefits of a hot bath before bed and whether ice baths before sleep might work for you.
Morning Routine
Incorporating Bed Making Into Healthy Habits
Making your bed doesn’t have to be a chore. When done immediately after waking, it becomes a simple way to:
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Signal that sleep time is over and your day is starting.
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Reduce visual clutter, which minimizes low-grade mental stress.
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Create a habit loop that sets your brain up for momentum.
Even Admiral William McRaven, former Navy SEAL and author of Make Your Bed, argues that this single act can change your life, because it teaches discipline and self-respect. Making your bed is about building a life that feels good, starting with how you sleep, and ending with how you wake up. If you want that sleep to be as restorative as possible, create a space that feels clean, supportive, and safe.
And it’s not just about starting your day on the right not –– it’s about closing the loop each night. Coming back to a made bed signals that you’ve taken care of yourself, even in the smallest way. That consistency builds lasting confidence, and fuels lasting well-being.
FAQ
Quick Answers to Common Bed Making Questions
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Does making your bed help you sleep better?
Not directly, but a clean, organized sleep environment lowers anxiety and improves your bedtime mindset, both of which can help you fall asleep faster and rest more deeply. -
Should you air out your bed before making it?
Yes. Pull back the covers for 20–30 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate before fully making your bed. This reduces humidity and dust mite buildup. -
How often should I wash my sheets and bedding?
Aim to wash sheets weekly, pillowcases every 3–4 days, and duvet covers every 2 weeks. More frequently if you sweat at night or have allergies.
