What is bed rotting? Is it bad for you? CMC Vellore-trained neurologist breaks down the risks

Do you know what's bed-rotting? In today's fast-paced world, where burnout is common, the idea of staying in bed all day can feel like the ultimate luxury. From napping and scrolling through social media to binge-watching shows and eating snacks under the covers, many of us have done it. Still do it on weekends. But according to Sleep Foundations, on TikTok, this familiar act has been rebranded with a new name: bed rotting. While some see it as a harmless self-care practice, health experts are now raising concerns about its long-term effects.

What is bed rotting?

The term bed rotting refers to spending extended periods of time, often an entire day or weekend, in bed, usually without any specific purpose other than to rest or emotionally check out. It has gained massive popularity online, with hashtags like #bedrot and #bedrotting gathering over 32.9 million posts on TikTok alone as of September 2024. The trend appeals largely to young people who say it's their way of coping with stress, fatigue, and the pressures of daily life
.
On the surface, taking a full day to recharge doesn’t seem like a bad idea. In fact, short-term bed rotting can be beneficial, according to experts, especially when someone is physically or emotionally exhausted. Giving yourself permission to slow down, especially during times of high stress or burnout, can be a healthy way to rest and reset.

CMC Vellore doctor opines on bed-rotting

However, doctors are warning that frequent or prolonged bed rotting may actually be a red flag for deeper health issues. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a CMC Vellore graduate and a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, explains that extended periods of bed rotting can impact brain chemistry.


He told South First, "It lowers serotonin levels, which are linked to mood and happiness."

“Neurologically, bed rotting can be seen as a kind of behavioural shutdown. It’s a sign that the brain’s usual motivation and reward systems are slowing down, something we also see in chronic stress or depression," he added.

This behavioural shutdown can lead to a cycle that’s difficult to break. Spending too much time inactive in bed reduces exposure to sunlight, lowers physical activity, and may increase isolation, all of which are risk factors for depression and anxiety. Experts also warn about physical deconditioning, where lack of movement results in weakened muscles and reduced stamina, something that can happen in as little as a few days.

The National Library of Medicine notes that sedentary lifestyles are strongly linked to poorer mental health outcomes across age groups. Even small amounts of physical movement, like walking around your home, can improve mood and energy levels. Social interaction is another important piece. When bed rotting becomes an excuse to withdraw from others, it may increase feelings of loneliness and emotional disconnection.

So, why do people bed rot? It can be triggered by burnout, depression, anxiety, emotional overload, or simply seeking comfort through passive dopamine hits, like scrolling on Instagram or watching comforting shows. While the intention might be to rest, the end result isn’t always relaxing or restorative.

Does bed-rotting impact your sleep?

Besides this, it may impact your sleep. Taking a full day to rest in bed can feel refreshing, especially after a busy week or when you're feeling mentally drained. However, sleep experts caution that spending too much time lying in bed during the day, even if you're not actually sleeping, could lead to trouble sleeping at night. According to Joe Dzierzewski from the National Sleep Foundation, our daytime habits play a big role in how well we sleep at night. Missing out on sunlight, physical activity, and regular meals can throw off our body’s natural sleep rhythm.


In the long run, this behaviour may also confuse your brain. Kei, a sleep expert, explains that when we regularly use our beds for things like watching TV, scrolling on our phones, or worrying, our brain starts to link the bed with wakefulness instead of sleep. Over time, this can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, a pattern that could eventually lead to insomnia. So while the occasional lazy day is fine, experts say it’s important to maintain a healthy balance and reserve your bed mainly for rest and sleep.

Instead of long, unstructured hours in bed, doctors recommend healthier rest practices. These include setting a time limit for lying in bed, incorporating light activity like stretching or walking, staying hydrated, and keeping in touch with friends or loved ones. If you find yourself constantly drawn to bed rotting and struggling to stay motivated, it could be a sign to speak with a mental health professional.