Srinagar, Aug 26: While your bedroom is meant to be a sanctuary, However, did you know that you could be keeping some everyday items that are highly toxic. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH— a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford— shared an important reminder on Instagram. In his post, Dr. Sethi highlighted three common household items that could negatively affect gut health, sleep quality, and overall well-being if not replaced or used with caution.
“Did you know your bedroom might be silently affecting your gut, sleep, and long-term health? In this eye-opening video, Harvard and Stanford-trained doctor Dr. Sethi breaks down 3 common items found in most bedrooms that you should throw out ASAP,” his post read.
1. Old Pillows (over 1–2 years)
Pillows are breeding grounds for dust mites, allergens, sweat, and even fungi. Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy explains that dust mite proteins can spark allergic reactions and asthma. A study even found thousands of fungal spores per gram in used pillows—raising risks of respiratory infections and allergic response.
According to Dr. Sethi, if your pillow is older than one to two years, it could be interfering with both your sleep and respiratory health.
2. Synthetic Air Fresheners
Most artificial air fresheners release undiscussed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Research shows that 86% of the products tested emitted phthalates—linked to respiratory issues, carcinogenic effects, and hormonal disruptions.
3. Worn Out Mattresses (older than 7–10 years)
As mattresses age, they lose their ability to support your spine properly, leading to sagging and misalignment. This can increase pressure on your back and joints, resulting in chronic pain and lower sleep quality.
By replacing pillows older than one to two years, switching out synthetic air fresheners, and upgrading mattresses older than seven years, you could significantly boost your sleep quality, reduce allergic triggers, and protect your overall well-being
