Bed rotting is a trend and behavior where a person stays in bed for an entire day or extended periods without engaging in daily activities or chores. It involves spending time lying in bed doing passive activities such as scrolling on social media, watching TV, reading, or snacking, with the purpose of resting, recharging, and avoiding productivity

. This trend, popularized especially among Gen Z on platforms like TikTok, is often framed as a form of self-care or a way to cope with stress, burnout, or anxiety. People use bed rotting as a voluntary retreat from activity or pressure, embracing the "joy of missing out" (JOMO) by deliberately not being productive

. However, while bed rotting can provide short-term mental rest, experts warn it can become problematic if it extends beyond a day or two. It may lead to avoidance behavior, disrupt sleep hygiene by confusing the brain's association with the bed (which ideally should be used only for sleep and sex), and potentially worsen mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Prolonged bed rotting can interfere with exposure to natural sunlight, which is important for healthy sleep patterns, and may deepen feelings of isolation or lethargy

. In summary, bed rotting is a modern self-care trend involving extended periods of inactivity in bed, intended as rest but with potential risks if overused or linked to underlying mental health issues