The latest phenomenon taking the social media world by storm, ‘bed rotting’ is a term used to describe becoming one with your bed, sinking into your pillows, and is usually paired with endless doomscrolling.
In this post, we explain what bed rotting is, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of the practice.
What Is Bed Rotting?
The bed rotting trend sweeping across TikTok and Instagram over the past year involves extended periods of time lying in bed to recover from burnout by shutting off your brain from all forms of stress.
This emerging social media trend is captivating mainly Gen Z and millennial demographics, as well as wellness enthusiasts, as a cosy escape into self-care. But, others argue that bed rotting isn’t as positive as it may seem.
Rotting in bed, at its core, is a shift to indulging in the comforts of your bed, shutting out the stresses of the world without the guilt of feeling unproductive by watching TV, eating snacks, and scrolling endlessly through social media.
Are There Benefits To Bed Rotting?
The appeal of bed rotting is how it promotes mental wellbeing, which it does in mainly two ways:
Improving Relaxation: Sometimes, people rarely take time to value relaxation, so allowing yourself the extended period of stillness and indulging in the comfort of your bed can be classed as an act of mindfulness, self-love, and self-care.
Allowing Mental Breaks: Experiencing burnout due to anxiety, depression, or even just the demands of everyday life can take a mental and physical toll on the body. So, acknowledging when you need to take a step back and recharge and rejuvenate can be beneficial.
Dr Deborah Lee, a sleep expert we’re working with, says:
“Bed rotting can be positive if it’s done as a genuine stance of needing to recover and rest, however, the term ‘rotting’ does have a negative impact. Perhaps renaming it as ‘intentional rest’ will put a bit more of a positive spin on this rather than the use of the term ‘to rot’ – it shifts the focus from being lazy and unproductive to purposeful relaxation, which we all need to get over our busy modern-day lives” – Dr Deborah Lee
Is Bed Rotting Bad?
If used in a healthy way, bed rotting can have a short-term positive impact on your overall wellbeing, but it shouldn’t get in the way of real-life responsibilities.
Here are some bed rotting side effects to keep in mind:Sleep Pattern Issues: Spending excessive amounts of time in bed can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep or cause insomnia.
Reduced Productivity: If bed rotting is done multiple days in a row to rest and recharge, it could lead to extended periods of procrastination or loss of motivation.Mental Health Concerns: If occasionally used as a form of self-care, bed rotting can have a positive impact on your mental health, but it shouldn’t be used as the first line of treatment to combat anxiety or depression. It’s important to seek professional help.
Ignoring Responsibilities: As Dr Lee says:“Some people will take to ‘bed rotting’ to avoid real-life work, but in reality, the to-do list will still be there when they finally take themselves out of bed. It’s very much an ‘ignorance is bliss’ approach to important admin tasks.”
If you find yourself spending excessive amounts of time in bed, ask yourself if there’s something you’re avoiding.
How Can Bed Rotting Be Conducted In A Safe Way?
So, is there a right way to rot in bed? Here are some positive ways to take part in this new trend:
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Follow Positive Activities: Whilst still practising self-care by bed rotting, it’s beneficial to not just doomscroll social media. Conduct positive activities that engage the brain, such as journaling, reading, or meditating.
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Setting Time Limits: Set yourself a healthy limit of a couple of hours, put a timer on your phone and, once complete, transition to another activity.
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Listen to Your Body: If you notice yourself starting to experience discomfort or feel sluggish from being in bed too long, take that as a sign to get up and move around.
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Remember the Essentials: Bed rotting can mean that many of your everyday necessities, such as breakfast and exercise, are avoided. During your breaks, remember to make time for drinking water, grabbing something to eat, and having toilet breaks.
- Lighting: This tip comes directly from Dr Lee. She says:
“When your eyes see light in the morning, it gives signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up. If you have blackout curtains, then this can be really confusing for the mind and you’ll naturally want to stay in bed for long periods of time.
“Invest in a night lamp so that you can put it on first thing in the morning. However, if you can utilise natural light by opening the curtains and getting outside as soon as possible, then that’s a better option.”More Sleep Guidance and Tips
The science of achieving the perfect night’s sleep continues to evolve. Your first step, however, should be to arm yourself with the right bed and mattress for the job, which you can find at Bed Factory Direct.
For more help with sleeping routines, choosing the right bed frame, and more, stick to our blog.