Lounging in bed all day might sound lazy, but some Gen Z trend followers are now embracing it as a form of self-care.
«Bed Rotting,» the practice of spending long periods of time curled up under the covers with snacks, screens, and other creature comforts is gaining traction on social media.
The unofficial definition, according to Urban Dictionary, is «the Gen Z term for staying in bed for days on end, bingeing on Netflix, Tik Tok and Hinge.»
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Are these extended siestas really wise for one’s mental health or could they be a cause for concern?
Fox News Digital reached out to some pros for their take on this pleasing trend.
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Dr. Ryan Sultan, board-certified psychiatrist, research professor at Columbia University in New York, and medical director of Integrative Psychology NYCwho treats many young patients, called the bed’s tendency to rot «fascinating.»
«In our current culture, with too many things to do, too many expectations, and too much productivity, many people feel burnt out and often don’t get enough sleep,» Sultan told Fox News Digital.
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«It’s easy to see why taking time off to lay down is literally appealing,» she continued.
«In many ways, this is beneficial. It’s an opportunity to clear your mind, recharge and regroup before returning to life in a better frame of mind.»
On the flip side, however, said a long-term need or desire for «bed rot» could be a warning sign.
«If it becomes a habit, chances are a sign of depression‘said Sultan. ‘People should be aware if the rotting bed becomes a role model.’
Spending too many daytime hours in bed awake or not could also wreak havoc on sleep schedules, the doctor warned.
«Our brains are wired to sleep in the dark and be alert in the light,» he explained. «Laying in bed half asleep during the day will do that worsen sleep regulation and once it’s dysregulated, it’s a challenge to solve.»
Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and medical contributor to Fox News, agreed that while some downtime can be beneficial in terms of stress-relief and rejuvenation, «prolonged bed rotting is bad practice.» Health».
In addition to increasing the risk of depression, decreased motivation and sleep disturbances, the practice can also lead to weight gain from sedentary behaviors and binge eating, the doctor said.
«I’m also concerned about the medical risks of prolonged bed rot, including blood clots, blood pressure issues and obesity,» Siegel added.
«Regular exercise as a form of stress reliever is much healthier.»
One young man claimed on Reddit that the «rotting bed» phenomenon is actually a mask for depression and loneliness.
“I am Gen Z myself and find myself rotting in my bed, lack of friends and social community has skyrocketed bed rot tendency,” the person wrote.
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«And it’s really unfortunate to see people calling Gen Z lazy when we’re just misunderstood.»
Another poster addressing the practice claimed that the bed was actually rotting it serves to worsen fatigue.
«I too felt like I was in bed rotting away. I don’t care about a thing. I have a lot to do, college coming up, errands to run, medical stuff to take care of I just don’t care,» wrote the posters.
«I try not to rot in bed, though, because the more you lie down or sit up in bed it convinces your mind that you’re tired, so you just get more fatigued.»
As with any activity, moderation is key when it comes to tucking yourself into bed, Sultan said.
While the occasional lazy day can be beneficial, too much lazing around could have the opposite effect.
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«My best advice is not to get on your period to begin with, unless you’re sick or have an ailment,» Sultan said.
«If it becomes a habit, it’s a pretty sensitive test for depression.»
Those who lack the motivation to get out of bed should try calling or texting a friend or family member for support, identifying a small errand or task to complete, or contacting a medical professional to get help, according to the Mental Health Americas website.
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