Bed Rot: Understanding the Effects and Coping Strategies for Gen Z’s Latest Trend

2023-07-11 11:14:46

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — After working over the weekend, Dr. Jessica Gould came home feeling exhausted, so she gave in to her urge to watch TV and sleep all day. It’s a condition Gen Z calls “bed rot.”

Gold is one of many TikTok users who have raved regarding the latest viral term for self-care, in which users of the social media platform post videos of themselves lounging under blankets, often accompanied by a smartphone or a snack.

This term describes the state of staying in bed all day voluntarily, that is, what is called “bed rot,” according to Gould, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA.

“I think it’s OK to do that, if you need to,” Gold said.

And she continued, “I allowed myself to do this, as long as you understand the reason that pushes you to do it, and also resort to other skills to cope.”

Gould notes that “rotting in bed” is analogous to spending an entire day in complete inactivity.

Check your mental state

At first glance, there’s likely a lot of benefit to slowing down to recharging, replenishing, and resetting your settings, says Dr. Simon Rigo, a professor of psychology and behavioral sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, chair of psychology and director of training in science. Psychiatry at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, USA.

However, achieving balance is important for well-being, but Rigo, who is also director of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training Program at Montefiore Medical Center, found that spending too much time in bed also leads to poor mood and increased stress.

“Be vigilant and avoid overdoing it, no matter how complacent you feel at the time,” Rigo said.

Gold indicated that staying in bed for more than a day or two is disturbing, and may indicate various psychological problems.

She explained that “wanting to rot in bed all day, especially if it happens frequently, is likely to do with something more than just making up for sleep or needing to go a day without doing anything, such as avoiding feelings, stress or pain from stress.” waking up.”

Gold added that this type of behavior is linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety, among other mental health conditions.

A shout that threatens healthy sleep

And the condition of “rotting in bed” can not only affect your mental health, but it may negatively affect your sleep as well.

From a sleep science perspective, “sleep in bed is exactly the opposite of what we want people to do,” says Kelly Glazer-Barron, MD, associate clinical professor of preventive and family medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

She added that the bed should only be used for sleeping or having sex, not for activities such as watching TV, working, or eating.

Barron pointed out that the general guidelines state that if you do not sleep within 30 minutes of getting to bed, or stay awake for more than 20 minutes during the night, you must get out of bed.

And if you want to relax in a comfortable place, choose a comfortable sofa or chair, as recommended by her.

“Feeling tired following a long day is normal, but if it’s interfering with your work, social life, or other important activities, it’s a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional,” she said.

Activities to get past ‘septic in bed’

Gould explained that being “rotting in bed” can allow you to isolate yourself, ignore your feelings, and possibly prevent you from participating in self-care activities.

Rego said recharging activities can energize us and better prepare us for the inevitable stresses we face on a daily basis.

Instead, Gould said, you should learn the coping skills you want to do and take up your favorite hobbies.

Some options include meeting up with a friend or doing meditation and mindfulness exercises.

And if you don’t feel like leaving the house, try reading a book or journaling instead of watching TV.

It might also be helpful to talk to a psychiatrist, Gould said, explaining that therapy can help you learn new coping skills, get to the root cause of your “bed rot” and determine if there are some mental health issues you’re experiencing.

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