The Art of Doing Nothing
Why 'Bed Rotting' and Rest Culture Are Actually Wellness Wins
The internet has given us "bed rotting"—a term that sounds concerning but represents something our culture desperately needs to discuss: the right to rest without guilt. With over 3.2 million views on TikTok, this trend of intentionally spending extended time in bed doing low-effort activities has sparked debate among mental health professionals. But is it self-care or self-sabotage?
Understanding the Phenomenon
Bed rotting refers to deliberately staying in bed for hours or even days, engaging in activities like watching shows, reading, or simply existing without productivity demands. Dr. Kristin Gill, board-certified psychiatrist and chief medical officer of Minded, explains that it's become a way for people to step back from busy lives and recharge. The trend reflects a broader cultural shift away from relentless productivity and toward honoring rest.
Dr. Laurence Chan from Columbia University notes that while rest is vital, the context matters enormously. Research published by Scientific American found that occasional bed rotting can be restorative, but excessive time in bed disrupts the sleep-wake cycle and can exacerbate mental health concerns.
The Science of Rest and Recovery
Our bodies and minds require genuine rest for optimal function. Studies on catch-up sleep have found nuanced results: small amounts of recovery sleep improved quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression in middle-aged women, while excessive amounts showed diminishing returns. Research from the National Institute of Health indicates that reducing sedentary time by just 60 minutes daily can significantly impact long-term mental health outcomes.
The challenge lies in distinguishing restorative rest from avoidance behavior. Rest involves feelings of comfort and relief, allowing the mind to disconnect from stressors. However, as noted in research from Cleveland Clinic, bed rotting becomes problematic when it's driven by avoidance rather than genuine need for restoration.
The Biochemistry of Inactivity
Prolonged sedentary behavior affects brain chemistry. Excessive inactivity can reduce production of serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters essential for emotional regulation and motivation. Additionally, bed rotting often involves social isolation, which research shows has significant mental health consequences. A longitudinal twin study found that isolation in young adulthood predicted increased depression five years later, even when controlling for genetic factors.
Structured Rest vs. Bed Rotting
The key distinction lies in intention and outcome. Retreat environments offer what bed rotting promises but fails to deliver: guilt-free, structured restoration. Unlike passive bed-based recovery, retreats provide:
Environmental change that signals to your nervous system that rest is not only permitted but intended
Social connection within a supportive community, countering isolation
Purposeful inactivity through guided practices like meditation, gentle movement, and nature immersion
Natural light exposure which regulates circadian rhythms and supports mood
Research from Ohio State University emphasizes the importance of mixing pleasurable activities with meaningful ones. Retreats accomplish this balance by creating space for both deep rest and engaging experiences.
Finding Balance
Mental health experts recommend several strategies for healthy rest. Sleep specialist Dr. Sarah Silverman advises keeping beds primarily for sleep to maintain strong sleep associations. For rest, she suggests finding alternative spaces. Time limits matter too—research indicates occasional day-long rest can be beneficial, but regular patterns of excessive time in bed may signal underlying issues requiring professional support.
The bed rotting trend ultimately reflects something valuable: recognition that rest is not laziness. In a culture that glorifies busyness, retreats offer permission to rest intentionally, completely, and without apology—while providing the structure, community, and environment that transform passive escape into active restoration.
References:
Gill, K. (2025). What Is 'Bed Rotting'? A Doctor Weighs In on This TikTok Trend. The Healthy/Reader's Digest.
Chan, L. (2024). Bed Rotting: Trend or Trouble? Therapy Group of DC Clinical Insights.
Hollingshead, N. (2024). Hurkle-durkling and bed-rotting. Ohio State Health & Discovery.
Barwick, F. (2024). Is 'Bed Rotting' Good or Bad for Your Sleep? Scientific American.
National Institute of Health. (2018). Sedentary behavior and mental health outcomes. NIH Research Reports.