Change Your Disgusting Sheets: Startling Study Reveals That Your Sheets Have More Bacteria On Them Than This

The study found that unwashed bedding could contain more bacteria than toilet seats after just one week. Volunteers in the study swabbed their own sheets over a four-week period without washing them, while the company also took bacteria samples from mattresses ranging from less than a year old to seven years old.

The results of the study were alarming. After just one week, the pillowcases sampled had at least three million colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch, which is 17,442 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

After four weeks, the number of CFUs jumped to 11.96 million, which is 39 times more bacteria than a pet food bowl contains. Sheets collected about five million CFUs in one week, which is 24,631 times more bacteria than bathroom doorknobs. After four weeks, the bedsheet samples contained 11.32 million CFUs, more than five times more bacteria than a toothbrush holder.

 WATCH: RUBIO TALKS ABOUT BIDEN'S WEAPONIZED JUSTICE SYSTEM

The study also identified the most common bacteria found in bedding, with gram-negative rods making up more than 41% of what was identified on sheets and pillowcases. Gram-negative rods can be dangerous and could lead to antibiotic resistance. The other two common bacteria found were gram-positive rods (24.94%) and bacilli (23.38%), which are usually the culprits behind food poisoning and similar infections.

 WATCH: TRUMP CAMPAIGN SUING NEVADA

The study also examined the bacteria present in mattresses of different ages. A mattress that is less than a year old contains three million CFUs per square inch, while after seven years, the bacteria had grown to more than 16 million CFUs per square inch.

 BIG STAGE MOVE: RFK JR. CHALLENGES TRUMP TO DEBATE, WILL HE ACCEPT?

Mattresses that were less than a year old showed an equal number of gram-negative rods, gram-positive rods, and gram-positive cocci for all bacteria identified. The most common bacteria found on seven-year-old mattresses were gram-negative rods (37.36%), and these mattresses were the only ones to show all four types of bacteria.

 CONSERVATIVE FEDERAL JUDGES LAY IT OUT FLAT FOR COLUMBIA PROTESTORS

In light of these findings, Amerisleep recommends washing bedding once every seven days. The company states that the maximum number of days sheets can go without being changed before being considered "gross" is 35 days.

By this point, bedsheets will have accumulated more than 30 grams of dead skin cells, two gallons of body fluids like sweat and saliva, and more than one million dust mites. Failure to wash sheets regularly can result in allergy symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, and watery eyes.

 THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN: NEW POLL SHOWS DISNEY IS LOSING ITS MAGIC, HERE IS WHAT THEY WANT...

Amerisleep emphasizes that washing sheets regularly is not only good hygiene but may also improve sleep quality. The company states that "more people feel excited about going to bed on fresh sheets" and that "clean bedsheets invite sleep, which serves to boost your sleep quality."

 UNTHINKABLE TRAGEDY AT OHIO STATE GRADUATION: WOMAN WHO PLUNGED TO HER DEATH, IDENTIFIED

Fox News contributor Nicole Saphier, M.D., who studied microbiology as an undergraduate, highlighted the health concerns associated with sleeping on dirty sheets.

She explained that conditions as benign as irritated skin and rashes, to more serious conditions like acne, ringworm, and even pneumonia, have all been associated with sleeping on dirty sheets.

 WATCH: NY GOV. HOCHUL WALKS BACK COMMENTS ABOUT BRONX BLACK CHILDREN AFTER MAJOR BACKLASH

Saphier emphasized that our bodies come into contact with many pathogens throughout the day, and when we go to sleep, those pathogens transfer to our sheets. In addition to pathogens, dirt, oil, and other substances can build up on sheets and affect the immune system.

 WATCH: SHOCKING CONNECTION BETWEEN VERY INFLUENTIAL DEMOCRAT FAMILY AND ANTI-JEWISH PROTESTS

Saphier recommends taking a shower before getting into bed and drying wet hair to prevent wetness on pillowcases from breeding pathogens. She also advises washing sheets at least once a week, as anything longer than that can lead to health concerns.

WebMD also recommends washing sheets weekly in most cases. Certain bedtime arrangements, such as sleeping with pets, can become a breeding ground for dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells and can trigger allergies, asthma, and other skin reactions.

The average human sheds 500 million skin cells per day, welcoming dust mites and their droppings into bed. If pets share the bed, they can spread infections like mange or ringworm, which can cause skin reactions in humans.

Dirty pillowcases can also contribute to acne breakouts due to embedded dirt, dead skin, and bacteria that can clog pores. WebMD suggests changing pillowcases every two to three days for those with bad breakouts. If you're sick, it is recommended to wash bedding immediately to kill lingering germs, as some bacteria and viruses can survive longer than others.

Other factors that can contribute to unclean bedding include sleeping in the nude, snacking in bed, sleeping with kids, or excessive sweating at night. WebMD advises allowing sheets to breathe in the morning instead of making the bed right away, as this allows covers to dry and attract less bacteria.

Washing bedding in hot water, if the care label allows, and using the dryer to kill any remaining germs are also recommended. Color-safe bleach can be used as an extra germ-killer, especially when cleaning up after an illness.

The study conducted by Amerisleep highlights the importance of regularly washing bedding to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. The findings reveal that unwashed sheets and pillowcases can contain more bacteria than toilet seats and can lead to various health concerns.

Experts recommend washing sheets at least once a week and taking additional precautions such as showering before bed and drying wet hair to prevent the breeding of pathogens.

By maintaining good hygiene practices and regularly washing bedding, individuals can improve their sleep quality and reduce the risk of health issues associated with dirty sheets.