Health experts warned about the negative health impacts of the latest "bed rotting" craze on TikTok, which involves people staying in bed for an entire day (or more) and binge-watching and browsing through social media material.
Some social media users consider "bed rotting" a sort of self-care but health experts caution that being in bed for long periods without sufficient care and activity may be harmful to one's physical and mental health.
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Bed Rotting's Negative Impact
Grow Therapy's registered mental health counselor, Catherine Del Toro, expresses her worries, saying that regarding "bed rotting" as a self-care method is untrue, worrying, and harmful. She underscored that self-care should also include maintaining one's overall health and well-being, which "bed rotting" does not encourage, according to Healthline.
Del Toro noted that the usual behaviors of a person who is depressed include sitting in bed all day, engaging in unproductive things like scrolling, watching TV, eating, and resting.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and the founder of Comprehend the Mind, explains that bed rotting has arisen as a means for people to take solace in categorizing their behavior. She said that while the practice of "bed rotting" is not very frequent, the word is relatively recent.
The health expert explained that this labeling procedure fosters relationships among like-minded people who can relate to the habit, making those who engage in "bed rotting" feel less lonely and alone.
Dr. Hafeez emphasized that bed rotting may exacerbate feelings of isolation, despair, and anxiety because of lack of sunlight exposure and social isolation.
She also said that extended periods of bed rest may interfere with regular sleep cycles and cause insomnia and other sleep-related problems. Moreover, lack of movement may cause muscular atrophy and weakening, making routine activities more difficult. Dr. Hafeez also cautioned that bed rotting can cause blood circulation problems and a higher risk of blood clots.
Balance is The Key to Wellness
Simon A. Rego, a psychologist, stresses the need for balance for general well-being. While slowing down and taking a break when necessary is appropriate, frequent "bed rotting" may cause mood swings and raise stress levels.
Rego also noted that seven to nine hours of sleep every night are recommended for people by experts to maintain a healthy sleep routine, per CNN. Additionally, having an occasional nap is good, but avoid taking too many naps throughout the day since this might affect the ability to sleep well at night.
There are also methods to re-energize if people feel exhausted from too much screen usage while "bed rotting." Experts suggested that a better way of unwinding and promoting mental health may be found in journaling, reading, or exercising outside, like walking, according to Men's Health.
Experts advise users to try out several tactics to see which suits them the best, highlighting the significance of awareness and avoiding overdoing it. A person's mental well-being and health should come first, and getting professional assistance when necessary may help one maintain a good balance in their life.
