Why Bed-Rotting Is Ruining Your Life

Always feeling unmotivated, unproductive and tired — resulting in a day of lying in bed and scrolling on TikTok? In a culture that glorifies hustle and hard work, it is okay to take a step back and breathe. However, there is a fine line between resting and staying stagnant. 

Bed-rotting is the term used, defined by the dictionary as “ the practice of spending many hours in bed during the day, often with snacks or an electronic device, as a voluntary retreat from activity or stress ”. 

Now you may be wondering how this harms you, so here are 4 reasons why bed-rotting is ruining your life: 

1. Inactivity can contribute to depression and anxiety

   While it may be tempting to stay in bed, effective treatment for depression typically includes physical activity, social interaction, and problem-solving.

   
   

2. It can affect the quality of your sleep

   Our internal clock is tuned to light and dark, regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Receiving no light early in the day, followed by copious light toward the evening (such as having your phone turned on), can scramble it.

   
   

3. It may leave you feeling less refreshed and groggy

   Staying in bed all day without movement can mess up your internal clock, causing your body to be confused about the time of day.

   
   

4. It can cause you to feel isolated and disconnected from others

   While social media is a more efficient way of communication, it can also deter you from actually meeting others physically.

Whether any amount of time spent inactive in bed truly helps you sleep and live better is for you to determine. However, before you go, please ask yourself this question: Does bed rotting feel truly restorative? Or does it just feel like you’re checking out?