Expert explains whether 'bed rotting' trend will actually make you feel better

Experts have weighed in on the viral TikTok trend of 'bed rotting', revealing whether or not the practice is actually beneficial to your health.

Not too long ago, spending all day lounging around in bed was branded as 'lazy' or seen as a symptom of someone who was suffering from poor mental or physical health.

However, lying in bed has since undergone a rebrand as 'bed rotting' on TikTok. Thanks to this trend, creators will share videos of themselves lay in bed while surrounded by piles of clothes and dirty dishes, while bragging about how long they've been able to waste away under the covers and scrolling on social media.

But is bed rotting actually beneficial for us?

Advocates for bed rotting say that spending an extended period of time lounging in bed is a valid pushback against the never ending demands of modern life.

Of course, having a 'lazy day' should be seen as a perfectly acceptable way to unwind and reset after a particularly stressful period of time, especially if it can help you avoid experiencing burnout.

"Our nature is not to have a nonstop 12-hour workday and a six-hour sleep cycle," Bonnie Zucker, PsyD told Self.

"That’s really going against what our biological needs call for, which is adequate downtime."

Speaking about the trend in an interview with PopSugar, psychiatrist Cassandra Boduch agreed that allowing our bodies to rest is important and can help with improved mood, focus and muscle recovery.

However, spending extended periods of time doing absolutely nothing but lying horizontal and scrolling on social media can actually do damage to your wellbeing. Scroll through enough bed rotting posts on social media and you'll find accounts of people who have gotten to the point where they haven't showered for days and let food to go mouldy in their rooms due to the inability to stop being in bed.

"Engaging in prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to physical discomfort, worsened mental health symptoms, and hindered personal growth and development," Helene D'Jay explained to PopSugar.

"Taking an occasional day of rest can be beneficial and can help someone slow down a hectic life and recharge, but when it is done regularly as a form of escape from responsibilities or a habit, it can be detrimental both physically and psychologically."

Spending an extended period of time in bed doing nothing can also be linked to clinical depression and anxiety, with psychologist Courtney DeAngelis telling Health.com the trend appeals to particular people who have low energy and a lack of interest in their usual activities. Bed rotting can also impact our quality of sleep, as using your bed for activities other than sleep can make it harder to drift off at night.

So, there you have it. There is nothing wrong with dedicating a day off to rest and relaxation - however, spending extended amounts of time sat in bed doing nothing can do us more harm than good.