Some days, the world feels a little too loud, and hiding under the covers sounds perfect. That’s the feeling behind a new trend Gen Z calls “bed rotting,” and it has taken over TikTok in a big way. For many young people, it’s their favorite way to escape stress.

The trend is simple: stay in bed for hours and do only soothing things. People watch shows, scroll on their phones, eat snacks, or just lie still under the blankets. The idea is to rest on purpose, without guilt or pressure.

The turning point came when a TikToker joked about “rotting in bed,” and millions quickly agreed. Users began sharing videos of themselves wrapped in blankets, saying it made them feel calmer and more refreshed. Some even get fully dressed and do their makeup without ever leaving the sheets.

But experts are growing concerned about what looks like harmless comfort. Doctors warn that spending too much time in bed can be a sign of deeper emotional struggles. They say it’s fine to rest, but it shouldn’t replace real daily routines or healthy coping skills.

Psychologists recommend keeping “bed rotting” in moderation. A little time to recharge is normal, but staying in bed all day, every day, may weaken mood and motivation. Balance, they explain, is the key.

Still, the trend shows how much Gen Z is craving rest in a busy world. And maybe it reminds us all that slowing down—at least for a moment—can be its own kind of healing.