What Is "Bed Rot" and Should You Be Worried?

The phrase 'bed rotting' has become popular lately. TikTok , with videos related to the trend now exceeding 130 million views. It's emerging as one of the newest sensations. sleep - related fads, igniting discussions on our attitudes towards rest and relaxation.

Dr Deborah Lee, a specialist in sleep from Bed Factory Direct, defines "bed rotting" as staying in bed for extended times, shying away from duties, and indulging in activities such as browsing TikTok or marathon watching shows. TV shows without much else.

Although the phrase has unfavorable implications, with 'rotting' implying something detrimental, Dr. Lee explores whether this activity is truly as destructive as commonly depicted. She proposes that the trend may actually cause less harm than people believe, and there might be benefits to embracing periods of rest and disengagement from daily activities.

"Rotting away in bed can be seen positively when approached genuinely for recovery and rest; nonetheless, 'rotting' carries a negative connotation,” she clarifies. “Renaming it as 'deliberate rest' might make it sound more uplifting instead of using the word 'to rot.' This change redirects attention from idleness and lack of productivity towards intentional relaxation—a necessity amidst today's hectic lifestyles.”

Nevertheless, Dr Lee also explores the motivations of individuals who engage in 'couch surfing' for inappropriate reasons.

"People who engage in 'bed rot' frequently neglect their daily tasks, which might appear daunting. Many individuals feel both physically and emotionally drained as they struggle to juggle their regular routines," she explains.

Many individuals might resort to 'bed stagnation' as a way to dodge their actual job responsibilities, yet in truth, the pending chores won’t vanish once they drag themselves out of bed. This reflects more of an 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude towards crucial administrative duties.

To prevent 'bed stagnation' for extended durations, Dr. Lee has compiled five steps aimed at helping you rise from your bed in the morning and steer clear of feeling sluggish.

Breakfast is key

It may be simple to simply pick up a breakfast bar or toast some bread, but consuming a meal high in both carbs and proteins can help boost your energy levels faster and keep you from wanting to crawl back under the covers.

Steering clear of sugar early in the day can help you feel sharper.

Morning Exercise

“Not many individuals jump out of bed each morning thrilled at the prospect of an early workout. Nevertheless, studies indicate that engaging in a half-hour session of moderate intensity exercise can significantly speed up your waking process compared to not exercising at all, thus reducing drowsiness. Starting your day with physical activity can keep you from returning to your bedroom throughout the rest of the day.”

Light up the room

When your eyes detect morning light, they send signals to your brain indicating it's time to awaken. However, if you use blackout curtains, this process can become quite perplexing for your mind, leading you to desire extended stays in bed.

"Invest in a night lamp so that you can put it on first thing in the morning. However, if you can utilise natural light by opening the curtains and getting outside as soon as possible then that’s a better option."

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