In the past, weekends were generally a time to recharge by being active. It was a time to play badminton in the park, visit the cinema, and meet friends to laugh and chat. However, it has now become natural to see people lounging in bed all day, looking at their smartphones, and stacking snacks within reach.
Recently, the neologism 'Bed Rotting' has been rapidly spreading, particularly on social media platform TikTok. Literally meaning 'rotting in bed', this expression refers to the act of spending unproductive time in bed without getting up while being awake, rather than sleeping.
Some view this trend positively, suggesting it is a form of 'self-care' to recharge away from a hectic daily life. However, experts are warning that it could be a red flag for mental health. Is bed rotting a 'medicine' for weary modern individuals, or a 'disease' that eats away at life?
It Could Be a 'Rest' That Helps Recover from a Harsh Reality
Bed rotting is no longer just a story of a few. According to a 2024 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), about 24% of Generation Z (born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) have experienced bed rotting, and in a recent survey, the figure soared to 49% for Generation Z and 41% for Millennials (born from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s).
Online comments reveal that the MZ generation chooses to retreat to bed as a means of preserving themselves amid excessive competition, an uncertain future, and an unstable job environment. They experience mental recovery by retreating to the controllable space of their bed, temporarily disconnecting from the world.
Dr. Megan Galili, an internist at the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., stated in a recent interview with Health Essentials, "Rest provides our muscles, joints, and nervous system with the opportunity to recover and recharge from everyday stress," adding, "Especially, lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, so taking some time to catch up on sleep while bed rotting can help improve immune health."
She further noted, "Just reflecting on one’s physical and emotional state can have a clarifying effect on the mind."
When It Becomes a Habit, It Becomes a 'Disease'... Leads to Decreased Brain Function and Sleep Disorders
However, the problem arises when bed rotting transforms from a temporary rest into a means of escaping reality. Dr. Galili warned, "Repeatedly hiding in bed to avoid stressful situations can ultimately lead to feelings of guilt, loneliness, and lack of motivation," stating, "If intentional rest turns into habitual avoidance, it can lead to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders."
Habitual bed rotting is also detrimental to physical health. The human body is designed to move, and living a life lying in bed for long periods leads to various side effects. The first symptom is musculoskeletal pain. Maintaining the same position for extended periods can cause pain in the neck, back, and hips, and joints can become stiff. Weight gain due to lack of activity is also unavoidable.
Additionally, lying down for long periods can easily lead to feelings of isolation. Not getting natural light can also lead to depression. Furthermore, our brains require stimulation, and lying in bed all day can result in a lack of stimulation, leading to decreased cognitive function and concentration.
The most serious issue is sleep disorders. Our brains need to learn that the bed is a space for sleeping, but engaging in various activities such as eating, looking at smartphones, and watching TV in bed breaks this connection. Ultimately, the brain may recognize the bed as a space for activities, leading to insomnia when it is actually time to sleep. This can decrease the quality of sleep and lead to a vicious cycle of chronic fatigue and decreased concentration.
