It might seem like a dream to spend all day in bed – but it can quickly turn into a health nightmare, one expert has warned
A doctor has warned staying in bed for extended periods of time could be bad for your health. From stiff joints to lack of sunlight, there are a number of reasons to limit the time you spend in bed when you aren’t sleeping.
A new survey from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that 43% of Brits have indulged in a day of ‘bed rotting’ in the last month. A further 15% also admitted they do this more than once a week.
The trend, which involves staying in bed for extended periods of time to watch TV, snack on food and scroll on social media, has amassed more than 130 million views on TikTok. Despite Brits thinking this ‘wellness’ trend is a form of self-care, Dr Bhavini Shah GP from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor explained how ‘bed rotting’ could actually have a negative impact on your health.
Being glued to your bed can lead to sleep problems. Dr Shah said: “Staying in bed during the daytime could impact the quality of your sleep during the night, especially if you are napping intermittently and not engaging in any physical activity or getting any natural light.
“Not only that but spending long periods of time watching TV and using social media in the early evening can disrupt sleep, as the blue light emitted from these electronic devices makes us feel alert and engaged. It is often a good idea to avoid being in bed unless you are actually planning to go to sleep, and you feel tired. This helps to ensure that being in bed is associated with sleep and not those activities that increase alertness. “
The doctor warned that there could also be some long-term issues if your regular decide to “rot” in bed. Staying in bed for long periods could lead to things like joint stiffness and decreased heart health.
Dr Shah said: “When you lie in bed for a long period of time, your muscles can become weak. It can also make your joints, ligaments and tendons stiff. In extreme cases of prolonged bed rest, muscles can become permanently shortened.
“There are a lot of benefits to getting daily exercise, even if it’s just a brisk 10-minute walk in nature which can contribute towards a positive mood and high energy. Regular exercise also helps to improve cardiovascular health, with a recent study suggesting a strong link between a sedentary lifestyle and cardiovascular disease. The study also found that those who walk just 2,337 steps a day can decrease the risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels.”
Bed rotters also run an increased risk of type 2 diabetes – which has been linked to a inactive lifestyle, being overweight and obese. If you remain still throughout the day, you may also find it difficult to fall asleep in the evening. In fact, research led by the University of Bristol shows that insomnia can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
You might also find that you struggle with constipation if you regularly bed rot. Dr Shah explained: “When you stay in bed for long periods of time, or are inactive, your digestive system slows down. This causes stools to move more slowly through the intestine and rectum. This can cause constipation, along with cramping and excess gas.”
Common symptoms of depression and anxiety include social withdrawal and taking part in fewer activities with friends and family. Dr Shah pointed out that, while spending one day in bed isn’t a huge cause for concern, if this is a regular occurrence in your life, it may be a sign of a mental health condition and may need some support.
If you or someone you know is participating in the ‘bed rotting’ trend and also experiencing psychological symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, it’s important to seek support from a local healthcare provider.
