Dr. Jessica Gold was exhausted after working another weekend shift, so she gave in to the impulse to watch TV and sleep for the majority of the day when she got home.

She was bed rotting, as Generation Z would say.

A lot of TikTok users, including Gold, have commented on the most recent self-care trend, in which people share videos of themselves curled up under several blankets, frequently with a phone or snack in hand.

According to Gold, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the expression refers to purposefully remaining in bed all day and "rotting" there.

“I think it is OK to do if you need it,” she said, “and I have let myself do it, as long as you understand why you are doing it and turn to other coping skills as well.”

Similar to spending a leisurely day, bed rotting is "more of an immobile term, with less activity," according to Gold.

She said that even on a lazy day, you can still enjoy yourself and relax while maybe spending time with friends and family.

According to psychologist Simon A. Rego, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, chief of psychology, and director of psychology training at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, there are probably many benefits to taking time to rest, recharge, and reset.

But he added that balance is crucial for wellbeing. According to several studies, being in bed for too long can affect your mood and raise stress.

“Be mindful and avoid overdoing it, no matter how good it may feel in the moment,” he said.

Lounging in bed for more than a day or two is concerning and could point to different mental health issues, Gold said.

“The urge to rot in bed all day, especially if it happens more and more, is likely about something more than just catching up on sleep or needing a day to do nothing, but avoiding the feelings, stress or pain of being awake,” she said.

This sort of behavior has been linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety, among other mental health illnesses, Gold added.

Bed rotting could be affecting more than just your mental health — it could also have a negative impact on your sleep.

From a sleep science perspective, “bed rotting is exactly the opposite of what we want people to do,” said Kelly Glazer Baron, associate professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The bed should only be used for sleep and intimacy, not for activities such as watching television, working or eating, she said.

As a general guideline, if you are not asleep within 30 minutes of getting into bed or are awake for more than 20 minutes during the night, you should get out of bed, Baron said.

If you want to relax somewhere comfortable, opt for a couch or comfy chair, she recommended.

“Having fatigue after a long day is normal, but if it is interfering with your work, social life or other important activities, then it is a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a doctor,” she said.

Bed rotting can allow you to isolate yourself, ignore your feelings, and possibly prevent you from participating in self-care activities that can help you, Gold said.

Recharging activities can energize us and “better prepare us for the inevitable stressors we face daily,” Rego said.

But don’t feel pressured to participate in an activity that someone else finds relaxing, he said, because one person’s “activity may be a chore to another.” Instead, learn coping skills that you want to do and think of them like hobbies, Gold said.

She listed some alternatives like hanging out with friends, working out, or engaging in mindfulness exercises.

Try reading a book or keeping a journal if you don't want to leave the house, said Gold.

Speaking with a therapist might also be helpful, she added. According to Gold, therapy can assist you in developing new coping mechanisms, identifying the source of your bed rotting, and figuring out whether you are experiencing any mental health problems.