Is bed rotting bad for your teen?
What it means, why it happens, and warning signs
Quick summary
- Bed rotting is when someone lies in bed awake for long stretches of time, often on their phone, watching videos, or doing nothing at all
- It can be a form of rest or escape, but if it becomes a regular habit, it may be linked to stress, low mood, or avoidance
- Parents don’t need to panic, but it’s worth keeping an eye on patterns and offering support when it feels like more than just a lazy day
If your teen has been spending most of their time in bed, only getting up to grab snacks or check their phone, you might be wondering if this is just part of being a teenager, or something more serious.
Online, you may have seen the phrase “bed rotting.”
It’s been used by teens and young adults to describe spending long hours in bed doing very little – often scrolling, binge-watching, or zoning out.
It might sound dramatic, but it’s become a common way for teens to talk about feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or low.
Sometimes, it’s just about needing rest.
Other times, it might be a quiet sign that they’re shutting down emotionally, and that’s when they may need your support.
What is bed rotting?
Bed rotting is when a person stays in bed for long periods while awake, often lying there passively with their phone, laptop, or just their thoughts.
They’re not necessarily tired or unwell, they just don’t want to face the world.
It’s more about checking out than resting up.
This behaviour has popped up as a trend on TikTok, with many teens sharing it light-heartedly.
But underneath the jokes, it may reflect real struggles with stress, anxiety, or low mood.
It can also be linked to low motivation, so if you're noticing a lack of drive across their daily life, this guide on motivating teens might help reframe what’s really going on.
Why some teens are drawn to bed rotting
Teen life can be a lot. School, friendships, screen time, hormones – all of it adds up.
Bed rotting can feel like a pause button, a way for teens to get space when everything feels too much.
And sometimes, that’s okay. A low-energy day spent in bed might be exactly what they need to reset.
But if it becomes the only way they cope, that’s when it can start to do more harm than good. Especially if it comes with signs of phone overuse – this guide on teen phone addiction explores what that can look like.
Is bed rotting bad for your teen?
A quiet day in bed every now and then isn’t harmful.
But if it becomes a pattern, it can start to affect your teen’s wellbeing.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Disrupted sleep: spending too much time in bed during the day can confuse their body clock
- Low energy: less movement during the day can leave them feeling more tired, not less
- Isolation: if they’re avoiding social time or family life, they might feel more alone over time – it can be easier to spot this if you are a living room family vs. a bedroom family
- Avoidance: using bed rotting to escape difficult feelings or responsibilities may raise anxiety in the long run
If their room is becoming a constant retreat and hard to manage, this piece on messy teen bedrooms may help you spot the difference between normal mess and red flags.
Why bed rotting’s more common than you might think
It’s important to know that bed rotting doesn’t make your teen lazy or unmotivated.
In fact, many teens in the luna app community tell us they use bed rotting as a way to recharge when they’re feeling anxious or stressed.
It’s not always about laziness, but if that’s a word you’ve heard or thought to yourself, this guide on "lazy" teenagers might shift your perspective.
How to help your teen find balance
You don’t necessarily need to ban their bed or take away their comfort zone.
Instead, try helping them spot when bed rotting is a sign they’re overwhelmed or avoidant, and when it’s just a break.
Here’s how you can support them:
- Start a soft conversation: try: “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time in bed lately, everything okay?”
- Suggest small alternatives: if they’re not ready to get up and go out, try encouraging a change of scene – like sitting outside for a bit, doing something creative, or moving to a different room
- Keep movement in the mix: even a short stretch or walk can help lift their mood
- Encourage a light routine: encourage a bit of structure to the day, like regular meals, screen breaks, or a set time to switch off
- Know when to check in further: if your teen seems down, withdrawn, or you’re noticing lasting changes in their mood or behaviour, it’s always okay to speak to a doctor or mental health professional.
Bed rotting isn’t always bad for teens
Sometimes, bed rotting is just your teen saying: “I’m burnt out and I don’t know what else to do.”
That’s not something to panic about, but it is a chance to help them build healthier coping tools.
You could try directing them to the luna app, where they’ll find quizzes, articles, and anonymous Q&As on how to manage screen stress, low mood, motivation and more.
Because while rest matters, so does connection. And with your support, your teen can learn when to stay under the covers, and when it might be time to step out of them.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
Sources:
Sleep Foundation "What is bed rotting?" | Accessed 05.08.25
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/what-is-bed-rottingFind out about trends when your teen does
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