“Rotting in bed”—a phrase that sounds dramatic, maybe even a little morbid, but one that’s quickly becoming a badge of honor. It’s not about being lazy, unmotivated, or giving up on life. It’s about reclaiming rest in a world that demands productivity at all costs. For autistic people like me, it’s also about survival.
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you might have seen people proudly posting about their “bed rotting” days: lying in bed for hours, scrolling aimlessly, napping, staring at the ceiling. It’s not glamorous or aspirational—it’s a kind of radical, unapologetic shutdown. And while the term is new, the concept is anything but.
What Does “Bed Rotting” Even Mean?
At its core, “rotting in bed” is the deliberate act of doing absolutely nothing, often for extended periods. It’s about retreating from the world, recharging, and letting yourself simply exist without the pressure to perform. It’s not even about self-care in the traditional sense—you’re not slapping on a face mask or reading a personal growth book. You’re just… there.
For some, it might look like a lazy indulgence. But for others—autists, introverts, the chronically overwhelmed—it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to hit pause on a life that constantly feels too loud, too fast, and too much.
Why Is “Bed Rotting” So Popular Now?
It’s no coincidence that bed rotting is having a moment. We’re living in an era of collective burnout, where hustle culture has pushed people to their limits. The pandemic didn’t help—suddenly, the world slowed down, and many of us realized we’d been running on fumes for years. Now, with the world speeding back up, a lot of people are saying, “No, thanks. I’ll be in bed.”
But here’s the thing: autistic people have been rotting in bed long before it became trendy.
For Autistic People, Bed Rotting Is a Necessity
Life as an autistic person is inherently overwhelming. Social interactions, sensory overload, and the constant need to mask can drain every ounce of energy. Recovery isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological imperative.
For me, bed rotting isn’t just a choice—it’s survival. After a day of navigating the world, my brain feels like an overheated computer. The only way to cool it down is to shut everything off and lie in bed, letting the overstimulation slowly fade. I’ve spent entire weekends this way, cycling between napping, mindlessly scrolling, and staring into space. And you know what? It works.
Societal Crisis or Personal Crisis? Maybe Both.
The rise of bed rotting isn’t just a quirky trend—it’s a symptom of a deeper societal issue. People aren’t just tired; they’re done. We’ve reached a point where burnout is the norm, and productivity has become a toxic religion. Everyone is running on empty, and bed rotting is the natural response. When there’s no energy left to push through, shutting down becomes the only option.
For autistic people, this shutdown isn’t new. We’ve always needed longer recovery times because we become overwhelmed faster. But now, it seems like the rest of the world is catching up. Maybe that’s a bad sign for society, but it’s also a moment of validation. Suddenly, the thing we’ve been quietly doing all along is being recognized as not just okay, but necessary.
The Benefits of Bed Rotting
- Mental Recovery: Forcing yourself to stay active when you’re depleted only deepens the exhaustion. Bed rotting gives your brain the space to reset.
- Sensory Regulation: Autistic people, in particular, need time to recover from sensory overload. A quiet, dark room is often the perfect remedy.
- Emotional Processing: When life gets overwhelming, lying in bed can give you the time and space to process your feelings without external demands.
- Physical Rest: Chronic fatigue is real, and sometimes your body just needs to stop moving.
Is Bed Rotting a Sign of Something Bigger?
Critics of bed rotting might argue that it’s indulgent or unhealthy, but maybe it’s a reflection of a system that’s broken. If people feel too overwhelmed to function, the problem isn’t them—it’s the world they’re living in. Autistic people have known this for a long time: when the world demands more than you can give, the only answer is to retreat.
There’s a haunting beauty in the phrase “rotting in bed.” It speaks to a kind of surrender—not defeat, but acceptance. It’s about acknowledging that you’re at your limit and allowing yourself the time to recover. Maybe the rest of the world is finally learning what autistic people have always known: rest isn’t laziness, and doing nothing is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.
Final Thoughts: Rotting, Resting, Reclaiming
Bed rotting might sound dramatic, but in a world that never stops, it’s one of the most radical acts of self-preservation. Whether you’re autistic or neurotypical, overwhelmed or just plain tired, there’s something powerful about giving yourself permission to stop.
So the next time someone rolls their eyes at you for spending a day in bed, remind them: even machines need time to cool down. Humans, especially, are no different. And if that means “rotting in bed” for a while? So be it. Sometimes, the best way to show up for life is by stepping away from it.
