Whether it’s reading, journaling, enjoying breakfast, or scrolling through social media, these are just a few activities people indulge in while lounging in bed. For some, this has evolved into an art form, popularized by a viral TikTok trend known as “bed rotting.” This habit embodies a laid-back attitude, where productivity and responsibilities are momentarily cast aside in favor of a few minutes or hours of procrastination.

Eleanor McGlinchey, a sleep psychologist at Manhattan Therapy Collective and Associate Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, suggests that spending time in bed before starting the day can provide a sense of control over our time and lives. The same concept applies at night: we attempt to reclaim control over our day by lingering in bed before sleep, effectively delaying bedtime. This phenomenon, known as revenge bedtime procrastination, serves as a form of rebellion against our daily responsibilities.

But what does this have to do with health? What are the potential problems of bed rotting? Can Bed Rotting Be a Sign of Withdrawal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

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