New ‘bed rotting’ trend is taking over young people

There is a growing phenomenon called "bed rotting" that is gaining momentum on social media, and you might already be participating in it unknowingly.

Nowadays, it feels like there is an influx of new trends everywhere you look.

TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a popular platform for the latest memes, dances, cooking videos, and various other unconventional activities.

Nevertheless, there is a trend known as 'bed-rotting' that has been circulating on the platform.

In all honesty, its interpretation can vary widely.

Could it imply neglecting to clean your sheets for weeks, allowing them to become excessively dirty? Or perhaps it refers to the act of not making your bed?

The phrase itself lacks specificity, making it challenging to determine its exact meaning.

So, what is the actual intention behind it?

In simple terms, bed rotting refers to the act of spending the entire day in bed, disregarding what is happening in the outside world. It involves curling up in a cocoon-like state and pretending that the world doesn't exist.

Considering the numerous distressing events occurring globally, such as the escalating cost of living, it is not surprising that bed rotting has become a term associated with this specific behavior.

Moreover, this is not the first time people have taken a passive approach. We have already witnessed a surge in a phenomenon called 'quiet quitting,' where employees exert minimal effort at work merely to avoid job termination.

Nonetheless, although it is perfectly normal to enjoy a lazy day occasionally, engaging in excessive bed rotting might indicate an underlying issue.

Dr. Jessi Gold, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University, utilized TikTok as a platform to address common concerns surrounding bed rotting and to encourage self-reflection regarding the reasons behind this behavior.

According to Dr. Gold: "I recently came across the term 'bed rotting,' which apparently refers to staying in bed due to exhaustion and extreme stress, as a coping mechanism.

"Many of us can relate to this. We claim to be tired because stress and anxiety drain our energy. The lack of quality sleep further compounds our fatigue.

"However, it is crucial to question whether our sleep is genuinely restorative or merely a means of avoidance.

"Are we sleeping to escape being awake, due to stress, anxiety, or our overwhelming responsibilities? Or do we truly require sleep for rejuvenation?

"Resisting the urge to bed rot isn't always necessary, but it is important to explore the underlying motivations behind it."

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