Are You Rotting? A Biblical Perspective on Bed Rotting

In 2023, a trend known as “bed rotting” exploded on TikTok, encouraging people to retreat to their beds for hours or even days as a form of self-care. 

As this practice spreads, it raises an important question for believers: 

Should Christians take part in it?

What is bed rotting?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Bed rotting is the act of intentionally spending the day in bed being unproductive.” In practice, this often means spending hours—or in extreme cases, several days—lying in bed scrolling on a phone, binge-watching shows, gaming or simply zoning out. 

Those who participate in the trend often refer to it as “having a rot day.”

The trend has largely been popularized by Gen Z, many of whom say they need “rot days” to recharge and cope with the demands of life and an out-of-control world. They often describe these days as cozy, aesthetic and a form of self-care.

However, several accounts detail more extreme cases of bed rotting. Staying in bed for several days without personal hygiene, physical activity or connection with others can be an indication of clinical depression, which may require professional help. 

Why do people bed rot?

The trend appeals to people who feel emotionally and physically drained, offering what they see as a guilt-free rest period. 

While primarily promoted by Gen Z, people of all ages partake in the practice of bed rotting. An Amerisleep survey estimated that bed rotting is practiced by 89 percent of Gen Z, 69 percent of Millennials, 54 percent of Gen X and 31 percent of Baby Boomers. 

• Feelings of burnout.
• Pressure to always be productive.
• Desire to check out of society.   
• Stress from the news cycle and what’s going on in the world.
• Worry about finances or the future.
• Low energy.
• Decreased motivation.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.

Bed rotting is promoted as a self-care tool to deal with a variety of challenges. Some who engage in bed rotting say that “rot days” help them become more productive members of society.

Are there benefits?

First of all, it is true that our bodies and minds do need rest. 

When asked specifically about bed rotting, some experts note that getting extra sleep or spending a little extra time in bed to recharge isn’t necessarily harmful. It depends on how much time is spent in bed and what we are doing. 

Though health experts understand the body’s need for rest, they also point out that there are several significant risks with the practice of bed rotting.  

What is the problem?

While many assert that bed rotting is a valid way to recharge, others look back and lament the time they feel they have wasted. S