Biology:Bed rotting
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Bed rotting is the practice of voluntarily spending many hours a day in bed whilst awake. This term has gained popularity among Generation Z on Tiktok.[1] It has been linked to self-care practices, but also to depression and anxiety.[2]
Etymology
Bed rotting involves spending time on devices, such as a phone, laptop, video game console, or television, or reading a book while in bed.[3][4] While some people use it as a way to recover mental health and combat burnout, bed rotting can intensify from a way to rest to a serious issue, which can lead to avoidance of going outside, socializing, or responsibilities.[5] Bed rotting has, in some cases, been linked to poor hygiene, depression and anxiety.[6]
The trend has gained traction on social media, where users share their "bed rotting" experiences. Platforms like TikTok have popularized this behavior with a 2024 survey showing that nearly a quarter of Generation Z surveyed reported staying in bed for a day or more to relax or use devices.[7] The term was added to Dictionary.com in 2024, along with more than 1,700 new or updated definitions, following growing visibility of the practice on social media. It was defined as "the practice of spending many hours in bed during the day, often with snacks or an electronic device, as a voluntary retreat from activity or stress".[8]
Analysis
Some publishers have interpreted this as a reaction to stress and or anxiety.[9][10][11] Lifehacker has described bed rotting as "an aspect of JOMO".[12] They also say that "while bed rotting can benefit some people in the short-term, it can become concerning if it lasts for more than one or two days".[2]
It has been linked to similar trends such as doomscrolling,[13] a practice in which a user may spend extended periods of time-consuming short form content or news.
See also
- Bed rest
- Clinophilia
- Couch potato
- Doomscrolling
- Tang ping
- Hikikomori
References
- ↑ Hui-Anderson, Alyssa (February 1, 2026). "What Is Bed Rotting?". https://www.health.com/what-is-bed-rotting-trend-7561395.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hui-Anderson, Alyssa. "What Is Bed Rotting?". in Scott, Sarah. https://www.health.com/what-is-bed-rotting-trend-7561395.
- ↑ Marples, Megan (2023-07-08). "Bed rotting: TikTok's latest trend reveals the toxic side of self-care" (in en). https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/08/health/bed-rotting-tiktok-trend-wellness/index.html.
- ↑ Nygaard, Auna. "Bed Rotting Trend & Mental Health" (in en-US). https://www.sandstonecare.com/blog/bed-rotting/.
- ↑ Hollingshead, Nicole (April 16, 2024). "Are 'hurkle-durkling' and 'bed-rotting' self-care strategies, or mental health warning signs?" (in en). https://health.osu.edu/health/mental-health/bed-rotting.
- ↑ Musto, Julia (13 January 2026). "Experts warn of the health consequences of ‘bed rotting’" (in en). https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/bed-rotting-meaning-consequences-depression-b2899349.html.
- ↑ Celmer, Lynn (2024-08-21). "'Bed rotting' tops TikTok trends" (in en-US). https://aasm.org/bed-rotting-tops-tiktok-trends-americans-embrace-viral-sleep-habits/.
- ↑ "Barbiecore? Bed rotting? Greedflation? Dictionary.com adds new 2024 words." (in en-US). 2024-02-13. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/13/barbiecore-bed-rotting-greedflation-dictionarycom-/.
- ↑ Glover, Amy (June 9, 2023). "What Is The 'Bed Rotting' Trend And Why Is It Not As Lazy As It Sounds?". https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/bed-rotting-trend_uk_647f43e7e4b0a7554f46f1a2.
- ↑ Bregel, Sarah (2023-05-31). "'Bed rotting' doesn't mean Gen Z is lazy, but is it really self-care?". Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90902790/bed-rotting-doesnt-mean-gen-z-is-lazy-but-is-it-really-self-care.
- ↑ Lee, Bruce Y. (July 8, 2023). "'Bed Rotting': What Is This New TikTok Generation Z Self-Care Trend". https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/07/08/bed-rotting-what-is-this-new-tiktok-generation-z-self-care-trend/.
- ↑ Johnson, Stephen (June 2, 2023). "The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What is 'Bed Rotting'?". https://lifehacker.com/the-out-of-touch-adults-guide-to-kid-culture-what-is-b-1850500032.
- ↑ Brenner, Brad (May 14, 2025). "Bed Rotting: Trend or Trouble? Understanding the Viral Self‑Care Craze and Its Impact on Mental Health" (in en-US). https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/bed-rotting-trend-or-trouble-understanding-the-viral-self%E2%80%91care-craze-and-its-impact-on-mental-health/.
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