Millennials and Gen Zers are guilty of "bed rotting," a new trend of spending rest days decompressing under the sheets to sleep, binge-watch, or mindlessly scroll through social media.
Bed Rotting Defined
Jeffrey Gardere, PhD, a clinical psychologist, told Health that "Bed rotting," a booming trend among Generation Z members, refers to staying in bed to engage in passive activities rather than to sleep after being burnt out from work, school, family demands, or social engagements, Jeffrey Gardere, PhD, a clinical psychologist told Health.
While it is intended to decompress or prevent burnout after a demanding work week, this trend could be counterproductive, leaving people more drained, says Samantha Boardman, a psychiatrist and clinical instructor at Weill-Cornell Medical College.
Why Bed Rotting Is Bad For You?
Like much of the mental health advice given on TikTok, bed rotting might not be the best way to rejuvenate yourself. Staying in bed all day could exacerbate existing mental health problems and potentially introduce new ones.
Insomnia
Staying in bed while awake may contribute to insomnia. Associating your bed with activities like work, eating, watching TV, or staying awake disrupts your ability to fall asleep by conditioning your brain to remain alert when in bed.
Mental Health Problems
Extended inactivity periods increase the risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression from developing or exacerbating. As much as staying in bed may seem appealing, effective treatment for depression often involves physical activity, social interaction, and engaging in problem-solving activities.
Ruminations
Replaying past conversations, dwelling on problems, or repetitively thinking about the same issues can escalate mental health conditions such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, somatic symptom disorders, and substance use disorders.
Short-Term Relief
Avoiding problems temporarily only contributes to long-term stress. While retreating to bed might offer short-term relief, escapism only delays resolving the root cause of these issues.
Better Ways to Recharge
While lounging in bed for extended periods might seem appealing for recharging, genuine rest is more "intentional."
Boardman suggests shaking up your routine by engaging in low-intensity exercise or relaxing activities that promote a positive mental state and aid in physical recovery. Contrary to common perception, true rest encompasses any activity that ultimately restores mental and physical well-being.
Walking is particularly effective in promoting mental health and overall well-being. Research suggests that a 40-minute nature walk has been shown to enhance feelings of restoration and focus more effectively than an urban setting.
Boardman suggests that spending time alone with someone you care about or in nature can be much more refreshing than staying in bed for extended periods.
As Boardman describes, active resting may require some effort, but she emphasizes that it can be highly beneficial in ensuring you are refreshed and recharged.
Many people view weekends, vacations, and holidays as ideal opportunities to recuperate from the daily routine. However, research indicates that incorporating regular downtime into our daily lives is a more effective strategy for improving overall well-being.
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