‘Bed rotting’ is self-care, some insist, but mental health expert shares warnings about social media trend

“Bed rotting" — spending long periods of time in bed — is gaining popularity on social media. Downtime can be beneficial but an expert warns that too much can be harmful.

The unofficial definition, per Urban Dictionary, is "the Gen Z term for staying in bed for days on end, binging on Netflix, Tik Tok and Hinge." Spending too many daytime hours in bed — awake or not — could also wreak havoc on sleep schedules, one doctor warned. "Lying in bed half-asleep during the day will worsen sleep regulation." Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

Are these extended siestas really wise for one’s mental health — or could they be a cause for concern?