“Bed rotting,” a term that’s taking TikTok by storm, is a trend that involves staying in bed for extended periods of time — not for sleep, but to engage in passive activities. This trend has gained traction among the Generation Z demographic who often find themselves overwhelmed by work, school, societal expectations, and social commitments. But is this trend beneficial or harmful? Let’s delve deeper into this.
Gen Z and the Rise of ‘Bed Rotting’
Self-care is instrumental in combating stress and maintaining physical and mental health. One of the latest self-care trends, particularly popular on TikTok with over 130 million views, is ‘bed rotting.’ This practice involves lounging in bed for extended periods while indulging in activities like eating snacks, watching TV, or scrolling through social media.
The trend has found favor among Generation Z, with many finding it a useful tool to combat burnout from multiple sources such as work, school, family demands, or social engagements, according to Jeffrey Gardere, PhD, clinical psychologist and professor at Touro University’s School of Health Sciences.
The Pros and Cons of ‘Bed Rotting’
Courtney DeAngelis, PsyD, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, notes that ‘bed rotting’ can offer temporary stress relief and relaxation for individuals grappling with demanding roles. It provides a guilt-free opportunity to recharge and unwind.
However, if ‘bed rotting’ extends for more than a couple of days or becomes habitual, it could indicate signs of depression or other mental health issues, warns Ryan Sultan, MD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Moreover, excessive time spent in bed can limit meaningful social interactions and potentially increase stress if tasks remain unattended. It’s important to be mindful of this and maintain balance.
The Impact of ‘Bed Rotting’ on Sleep
While lounging in bed might seem like the perfect way to unwind, it could disrupt your sleep quality. The brain typically associates the bed with sleep and intimacy. However, engaging in activities like ‘bed rotting’ can confuse these associations, leading to sleep disruptions.
Extended bed lounging sessions could also interfere with physical exercise—a proven strategy for improving sleep quality and onset. Moreover, if you tend to indulge in ‘bed rotting’ before bedtime engaging in stimulating activities like working or watching shows might make it harder for you to fall asleep.
Depression and ‘Bed Rotting’
While people suffering from depression or anxiety might be drawn to ‘bed rotting,’ it may not necessarily improve their symptoms. The practice could potentially fuel a cycle of depression or anxiety by leading to social isolation and increased time spent on social media. To break this cycle, being more active can help improve mood and motivation.
How to ‘Bed Rot’ Safely
If you’re intrigued by the idea of ‘bed rotting,’ it’s essential to approach it in a balanced and healthy way. This could include spending your rest time on beneficial activities like reading, meditating, journaling, or gentle yoga. Setting time limits can help prevent excessive lounging.
Remember, while ‘bed rotting’ can provide temporary relief from life’s pressures, it should not become a daily habit or the first line of treatment for fatigue or depression.
In case ‘bed rotting’ becomes habitual or you notice signs of depression, seeking professional help is highly recommended.
At Rested Mattress, we believe that your bed should be a place of comfort and rest. So whether you’re indulging in a little ‘bed rotting’ or ensuring a good night’s sleep, we’re here to make sure you do it right!
Stay tuned for more updates on sleep trends and tips to improve your sleep quality.