Gen Z’s “Bed Rotting” Trend Alarms Health Experts

Clear Facts:

• “Bed rotting,” a trend among Gen Z, involves spending extended periods in bed while consuming digital media, which some find therapeutic in today’s high-pressure society. However, mental health professionals warn it could be a sign of depression if it becomes a habitual behavior.
• Excessive time spent in bed during daytime hours could disrupt sleep regulation, according to Dr. Ryan Sultan. Dr. Marc Siegel adds that prolonged “bed rotting” can lead to physical health problems, such as weight gain, blood clots, and high blood pressure.
• Participants in “bed rotting” suggest the trend may be a response to larger societal issues like isolation and a lack of community. Experts advise moderation and recommend seeking professional help if lack of motivation becomes a persistent issue.

With the rise of the digital age, self-care has taken many forms, and the latest trend sweeping Gen Z is “bed rotting.”

This practice, which involves spending extended periods in bed with digital entertainment and snacks, has some mental health experts offering cautionary advice.

“Bed rotting,” as defined by Urban Dictionary, is “the Gen Z term for staying in bed for days on end, binging on Netflix, Tik Tok and Hinge.”

Given the ubiquity of burnout in today’s fast-paced society, it’s not hard to understand the appeal.

According to Dr. Ryan Sultan, a board-certified psychiatrist and research professor at Columbia University, “It’s easy to see why taking time off to lie around — literally — is appealing.”

Sultan also suggested, “In many ways, this is beneficial. It’s a chance to clear your mind, recharge and regroup before returning to life in a better frame of mind.”

However, this form of “self-care” might not be as benign as it initially appears.

Dr. Sultan warned, “If it becomes a habit, it is likely a sign of depression.”

He further cautions that too much time spent in bed during the day can throw off one’s sleep schedule.

“Our brains are fine-tuned for sleep in darkness and alertness in light. Lying in bed half-asleep during the day will worsen sleep regulation — and once it’s dysregulated, it’s a challenge to fix.”

Another professional voicing concerns about “bed rotting” is Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center.

He agreed with Dr. Sultan’s points and added, “prolonged bed rotting is a bad health practice.”

According to Siegel, this sedentary behavior can lead to physical health issues such as weight gain, blood clots, blood pressure problems, and obesity.

He stressed that “regular exercise as a form of de-stressing is much healthier.”

The viewpoint from those participating in “bed rotting” is somewhat different. Some see it as a symptom of a deeper societal issue.

One anonymous Reddit user confessed, “I’m Gen Z myself and I find myself rotting in my bed … a lack of friends and social community has been skyrocketing the trend of bed rotting.”

This suggests that the trend may be more reflective of a societal problem rather than simple laziness or hedonism.

Ultimately, Dr. Sultan advises moderation, stating, “My best tip is to not get into the cycle to start with, unless you are sick or have an ailment.”

For those already caught in the cycle, reaching out to a trusted individual or a mental health professional could be a crucial step towards healthier habits.

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