Did you know that you're going to spend 36 years of your life either hanging out or sleeping in bed? That's a lot of time wrapped in your sheets and snuggling with a blanket or comforter.

But a recent survey found that most people only change their sheets every 24 days, and pillowcases every 25 days.

Well, you might want to reconsider your bed-changing habits. That's because lounging and sleeping on your sheets allows skin cells and other accumulated debris to encourage bacteria, fungi, and dust mites to thrive.

That can cause inflammation, aggravate allergies, trigger skin irritation, or worsen psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

If you sleep in your bed nightly, hang out there to watch TV or other screens, snack in bed, and let a dog or cat roll around with you, changing sheets weekly is a good idea.

You might also consider keeping your pet off the mattress. If that's not possible or likely to happen, then give your furry friend a spot with its own sleep cloth to rest on, and change that frequently.

When you wash your sheets more often, you'll see improvements in your sleep quality, skin texture, and breathing.

Other good ideas: Check with your doctor to see if natural antihistamines might make you sleep better and greet the day feeling uncongested. Then consider natural allergy supplements, such as colostrum and bromelain.