Bed rotting: why it is time to embrace your quilt – without the guilt

Name: Bed rotting.

Age: Six months, more or less. The term, if it wasn’t actually born then, gained traction and momentum in December last year.

Where? On TikTok, where else?

So I’m thinking bed rotting isn’t about the actual bed rotting? Correct. Woodworm TikTok is yet to take off.

What is it about then? So @g0bra77y asked the question: “Who tf actually likes rotting in her bed?”

And no one knew what on earth she was on about? No, everyone agreed with her. Replies included, “My favourite activity”; “I wish it was acceptable to tell ppl this is my hobby”; “Found my people”; “If I don’t gotta leave my room, I’m happy”. Anyway, g0bra77y’s post quickly gained 1.4m views and bed rotting now has 300m views on the platform, making it officially a thing.

OK, but I still don’t understand. What kind of a thing exactly? It’s about staying in bed for as long as you like.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono did that ages ago. Yeah, it’s a similar idea, but that was a protest for peace. This is more about peace of mind. It can be about doing whatever you want – bingeing all four seasons of Succession, snacking to your heart’s content, doing your skincare routine, TikToking or just doing nothing. All without leaving your bed.

So it’s what Gen Z – or should that be Gen Zzzzzz? – is calling what used to known as a duvet day? Again, no. It isn’t about staying in bed instead of going to work. If anything, it’s the opposite of pulling a sickie; it’s about self-care and wellness. More of a weekend kind of a thing.

The quilt without the guilt? Now you’re getting it, even if it does say something about your choice of bedding.

Actually, I have an eiderdown. That doesn’t surprise me. Back to the subject, though: a real bed rot “isn’t about lying down for a quick nap, but about becoming one with your pillows”, according to Bustle. “The goal is to lie in bed for as long as possible and fully give in to any mental or physical fatigue you might be experiencing.”

Do say: “Rotting is my life’s purpose.”

Don’t say: “Get up!”