Warning issued over Christmas ‘bed rot’ and the very uncomfortable side effect

At least four in ten of Brits have indulged in a day of so-called ‘bed rotting’ in the last month, and another 15 per cent admitted they do a ‘bed rot’ at least once a week.

The trend ivolves staying in bed for extended periods of time to watch TV, snack on food and scroll on social media, and has amassed more than 130 million views on TikTok.

Nearly half of Brits who took part in a survey for Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor said they mistakenly believed it to be a form of self-care.

Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, warned that while taking the time to relax is important for wellbeing, staying in bed for extended periods of time could result in a number of uncomfortable symptoms, from sleep problems to constipation.

She warned staying in bed during the daytime could impact the quality of sleep during the night.

“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.”

Staying in bed also comes with an increased risk of heart disease. Shah explains: “A recent study suggested 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.

“If you do want to enjoy some restorative time, just make sure you keep moving regularly throughout the day. If you don’t want to go for a walk, gentle yoga and stretching can also be beneficial for both the body and mind.

Other side-effects of staying in bed include muscle stiffness, depression, anxiety and vitamin D deficiency, she added.

“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.

“While spending one day in bed isn’t a huge cause for concern, if this is a regular occurrence in a person’s life, it may be a sign of a mental health condition and may need some support.

Shah added that studies have linked a sedentary lifestyle with being overweight and obese, along with type 2 diabetes.

One of the most unpleasant side effects from spending a day in bed can be constipation.

“When you stay in bed for long periods of time or are inactive, your digestive system slows down, causing stools to move more slowly through the intestine and rectum. This can cause constipation, along with cramping and excess gas.”

Shah recommends that anyone tempted to veg out in bed may want to re-think their Christmas down time plans.

She said: “Although occasionally spending a day in bed is fine, if you are looking for ways to relax, there are a number of healthy alternatives that will relieve stress in both the body and mind. Practising a creative hobby or activity you enjoy, spending time in nature, or even taking a yoga class are all great ways to nourish yourself in a healthy way.

“If you’re feeling consistently stressed, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider who can help you understand how to manage these feelings and offer personalised support.”