Who knew that when our parents asked us to clean our room it was not just for collective peace of mind, but that a clean living space actually has real, lasting health benefits?
It’s true. A clean home can actually keep you and your family healthy in a variety of ways.
Here’s how:
Alleviates Stress
Clutter around the home and general disorganization can lead to chaos and stress. Think about those missing car keys. How much time do you spend looking for them? But if they are in their own dedicated space, they will always be where you’ll find them and stress will be alleviated.
That stress is real. In one 2010 study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, researchers found women who described their homes as “cluttered” had higher levels of cortisol than those with tidier homes. Cortisol works to regulate and balance the body after a stressful event, but too much cortisol can affect the brain’s ability to function. This means clutter makes people stressed. So it’s just one more reason to tackle the to-do list and get your home in order.
Curbs Allergies and Asthma
Regular cleaning like dusting, sweeping and vacuuming can remove dust, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens like pollen, which can cause asthma and allergies. Disinfecting and sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens where there’s moisture will also help curb the development of mold, another allergen. So cleaning on a routine basis can control these triggers making you and your family breathe easier as well as feel and be healthier.
Clears the Mind
Clutter can also make it more challenging to think clearly. A 2011 Princeton University study found that visual clutter, where multiple objects compete for your attention, makes it hard to focus and process whatever task is at hand. So tidying up your living space can free up your mind to focus better.
Improves Sleep
A disorderly home could actually be the cause of sleep troubles, according to one recent survey by a sleep products company, CPAP. Only 26 percent of people who described themselves as messy were satisfied with the quality of their sleep in the survey. Conversely, about twice that amount of self-described clean people were satisfied with their sleep quality.
When your bedroom is clean and sheets are freshly washed, it can bring on relaxation making it easier to fall and stay asleep, say the experts. It’s best to clean the area right around your bed on a regular basis, wash your sheets regularly and make your bed every day for best results.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 242 beds and a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Now in its 100th year of service in central Bucks County, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program. Consistently ranked among the best hospitals in Pennsylvania and distinguished in both infection prevention and patient experience, Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 17 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.
