Upon hearing the term “bed rotting,” you may think of a mattress that has seen better days. However, it has more to do with the individual in the bed. The term “bed rotting” alludes to a person staying in bed all day (or for multiple days)—by choice, according to Urban Dictionary. There’s a chance your patients—especially Gen Zers—are engaging in it or thinking of doing it after seeing others ‘bed rot’ on social media.

Bed rotting: The new Gen Z self-care trend explained | indy100.

 

The trend has garnered mixed responses. One TikTok platform user and sleep scientist, Vanessa Hill, uploaded a video saying the trend is all about honoring anti-optimization and anti-productivity. Another TikTok user, @dryftsSleep, describes the trend as “soft living,” an intentional way to de-stress while in bed.

Vanessa hill on tiktok. TikTok.

Dryft sleep on tiktok. TikTok.

 

Bed rotting is an antidote against the stressors of the modern world, where people are forced to juggle a constant inundation of information and stimuli. However, some experts think excess bed rotting could signify a deeper issue or lead to physical or mental health concerns.

Why the modern world is bad for your brain. the Guardian.

 

 

Spending time in bed: Harmful or helpful?

 

According to Shelby Harris, MD, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, the trend represents a double-edged sword: “Bed rotting can be a healthy practice when done in moderation, as it allows people to take time for self-care and relaxation. It can also be beneficial for managing stress and promoting mental well-being,” she says. 

But while spending a Sunday afternoon in bed every once in a while can be rejuvenating, it’s best if patients don’t seek out bed rotting as their go-to form of self-care. “Excessive bed rotting may have negative effects. Spending too much time in bed can disrupt mood, increase stress levels, and interfere with healthy sleep patterns,” Dr. Harris says. 

Excessive bed rotting may also lead to more serious health issues. Patients who consistently sleep longer than eight hours daily may be at increased risk of mortality compared with those who sleep just an hour less each day. Research has also shown an association between long sleep hours and incident diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, and obesity.

Yang L, Xi B, Zhao M, Magnussen CG. Association of sleep duration with all-cause and disease-specific mortality in US adults. J Epidemiol Community Health. Published online January 13, 2021:jech-2020-215314.

Jike M, Itani O, Watanabe N, Buysse DJ, Kaneita Y. Long sleep duration and health outcomes: A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. Sleep Med Rev. 2018;39:25-36.

 

Of course, people who engage in bed rotting may just be spending time in bed while awake. If done often, it may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which increases “all-cause mortality and the risks for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancers (breast, colon, colorectal, endometrial, and epithelial ovarian cancer),” according to the Korean Journal of Family Medicine. 

Park JH, Moon JH, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Oh YH. Sedentary lifestyle: overview of updated evidence of potential health risks. Korean J Fam Med. 2020;41(6):365-373.

 

Spending time resting in bed—a place reserved for sleep at night—could also be problematic, especially for patients with sleep disorders, says Brandy Smith, a Licensed Psychologist with Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL. “When it comes to people with sleep issues, [there are recommendations] not to spend extra time in bed because it can impact their sleep experience…It would be advised to rest in another space.” In fact, the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School recommends reducing the time in bed awake to reduce sleep issues.

Taking action. Harvard.

 

 

In fact, bed rotting itself may signify a sleep disorder in certain patients. According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Clinophilia is the “tendency to remain in bed in a reclined position without increased sleep time.”

Diagnosis of central disorders of hypersomnolence: A reappraisal by European experts. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2020;52:101306.

 

Dr. Harris agrees. “If someone uses [bed rotting] as an excuse for avoiding responsibilities or neglecting important aspects of their life, it could potentially promote unhealthy behaviors. Ultimately, it is up to [the individual] to use the concept of bed rotting in a responsible and balanced manner,” she says. 

At worst, bed rotting may be an aspect of a patient’s mental illness. “Bed rotting can also be a sign of depression….anxiety, or stress,” says Gary Tucker, chief clinical officer, and licensed psychotherapist at D'Amore Mental Health in California, noting that some patients may seek out bed rotting if they find themselves struggling to get up, be productive, or engage in activities they enjoy.

Essentially, it all boils down to how often someone engages in bed rotting. “The term ‘bed rotting’ itself does not inherently promote bad behaviors. The interpretation and behavior associated with the term depend on how people engage with it,” Dr. Harris clarifies. 

 

How can HCPs help patients engaging in bed rotting?

 

Dr. Smith says that if she were treating a patient who tends to spend excessive time in bed, she’d have an open and honest conversation with them around how the behavior looks for them. 

Finally, “If [patients] find themselves stuck in a bed rot rut, it is important [they] talk to a professional for help getting back on track,” Tucker adds. If it’s not your area of expertise, you may need to refer them to a mental health specialist.