What’s Bed Rotting? And Why is Everyone Talking About It?

Warwick Jones
Sleep Soundly
Published in
3 min readAug 10, 2024

Giving yourself permission to be totally and unapologetically lazy, for hours or days on end. For some its weeks!

Credit: Photo by yacobchuk1

Have you heard about this thing called “bed rotting”? No? Well, buckle up because we’re about to explore one of the coziest trends making waves on social media right now.

So, let’s talk about bed rotting. And no, it’s not as gross as it sounds!

Actually, it’s kind of the opposite — it’s all about indulging in some much-needed R&R by spending a serious chunk of time in bed, doing…well, pretty much nothing.

Sound appealing? I thought so!

The Lowdown on Bed Rotting

Picture this: you wake up on a Saturday morning with absolutely nothing on your agenda. Instead of jumping out of bed, you decide to stay put — snuggled under your favorite blanket, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, scrolling through your phone, watching Netflix, or just staring at the ceiling and letting your mind wander. That, my friend, is bed rotting in a nutshell.

Bed rotting isn’t about being sick or lazy (though, let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days). It’s a conscious decision to give yourself permission to be totally and unapologetically lazy — for a few hours or even the whole day. It’s like giving your body and brain a mini-vacation without ever leaving your bedroom.

Why is Bed Rotting So Popular Right Now?

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you might have noticed that bed rotting has become a bit of a thing. It’s almost like a rebellion against the non-stop hustle culture that’s been telling us we need to be “on” all the time. We’re all so used to being busy, multitasking, and ticking off to-do lists, that the idea of doing absolutely nothing feels almost…radical.

People are posting their bed rotting sessions with pride, sharing pics of their cozy beds, soft lighting, and the comforting calm of doing nothing at all. It’s like saying, “Hey, it’s okay to take a break. In fact, it’s more than okay — it’s necessary!”

The Good, The Bad, and The Super Cozy

Now, before we all go headfirst into a bed rotting marathon, let’s chat about the pros and cons. Because yes, as dreamy as it sounds, bed rotting isn’t without its critics.

The Good:

  • Rest and Recharge: First up, bed rotting can be an amazing way to recharge your mental batteries. We all need downtime, and sometimes, the best way to get it is by doing nothing at all.
  • Self-Care Time: It’s also a great form of self-care. By choosing to bed rot, you’re prioritizing yourself and your need to rest, which is something we could all do a little more often.

The Bad:

  • Physical Health: But, and it’s a big but, spending too much time in bed can mess with your physical health. We’re talking about muscle stiffness, poor circulation, and even weight gain if you make a habit of it.
  • Mental Health: Then there’s the mental health side. While bed rotting can be a stress-buster, it can also make things worse if you’re prone to depression or anxiety. Too much time alone in bed can lead to feelings of isolation, and that’s never good.

Why Bed Rotting Might Just Be What You Need

Here’s the thing: bed rotting isn’t for everyone, and it’s definitely not something you should do all the time. But if you’re feeling burned out, stressed, or just plain tired, a little bed rotting might be exactly what the doctor ordered (well, not literally, but you get the idea).

The key is to do it mindfully. Are you bed rotting because you genuinely need rest, or are you avoiding something? If it’s the former, go ahead — grab your blanket and get cozy. If it’s the latter, maybe think about what’s really going on and how you can address it.

So, there you have it

Bed rotting in all its glory. It’s a trend that’s here to remind us that it’s okay to slow down, take a break, and just be. Whether you’re all in for a day of bed rotting or just curious about the buzz, remember: it’s all about balance. Enjoy the rest, but don’t let it become a habit that’s hard to break. Happy bed rotting!

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