Spending Too Much Time in Bed: Is It Normal?

Who doesn't enjoy some extra time in bed on weekends, right? Sometimes, we get so cozy in our beds that getting up becomes challenging. But if you’re constantly feeling that way, it could be a sign of a medical problem. In this article, we’ll explore the issue of spending too much time in bed.

Why is it so hard to get out of bed?

For some people, getting out of bed is extremely hard thanks to dysania, an intense need to stay in bed.

You may also come across the terms clinophilia or clinomania.

• Clinomania is the intense desire to stay in bed
• Clinophilia refers to spending an excessive amount of time in bed, both during the day and at night.

Doctors don’t see dysania as its own disorder but more as a symptom of a medical condition.

Because people with dysania tend to stay in bed longer, it can lead to issues in their personal lives, work, and relationships. They may also experience fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

Bed rotting

Chilling in bed all day became a hot trend among the youth, racking up thousands of views on TikTok. But is this good for you?

Unlike dysania, where there's a strong desire to stay in bed, bed rotting involves intentionally staying in bed for as long as possible. While in bed, you can use the time to read, scroll through social media, or kick back and relax.

According to the experts, doing this occasionally when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed can help you unwind. Just be careful not to push it too far and turn it into a habit.

What's the limit for time spent in bed?

According to experts, you shouldn’t use your bed for activities other than sleeping or sex. Aim for around seven to eight hours per night. If you find yourself lounging in bed way beyond that, it could be a sign that something's going on with your health.

Causes for excessive time spent in bed

Several health problems can cause someone to spend excessive time in bed. Here are a few examples:

• Depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes symptoms like reduced interest in activities, sleep troubles, and feeling tired all the time. All of these things can make you just want to stay in bed.
• Hypersomnia. Hypersomnia is when you feel excessively tired during the day or sleep longer than usual at night. People dealing with hypersomnia might find it extra hard to get out of bed because their nighttime sleep isn’t as refreshing as it should be.
• Sleep inertia. Getting up out bed can be difficult for some people due to sleep inertia, a temporary disorientation and drop in performance upon waking.
• Chronic fatigue. If you’re dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s common to feel tired all the time. On top of that, symptoms like sensitivity to light, headaches, and depression can make the idea of getting out of bed less than appealing.
• Fibromyalgia. Those who live with fibromyalgia experience pain all over the body, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms may contribute to staying in bed longer than usual.
• Others. Many other health issues, such as thyroid conditions, iron deficiency anemia, sleep apnea, and long COVID, can also lead to fatigue, potentially contributing to spending an excessive amount of time in bed.

Health effects of spending too much time in bed

While the idea of staying in bed a little longer can be tempting at times, it’s best to avoid this habit as it can lead to various health issues.

Prolonged bed rest during the day can disrupt nighttime sleep, as your brain starts associating the bed with activities other than sleeping, making it harder to fall asleep at night.

Spending excessive time in bed can also contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. This can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. It can also influence your mood, potentially causing increased feelings of depression and stress.

Addressing excessive time in bed

Spending too much time in bed is frequently linked to an underlying medical condition. In such cases, treating the root cause is the way to go. Practicing sleep hygiene can also help promote healthier sleep habits. Here are some tips:

• Keep a regular sleep routine
• Make your sleep environment comfortable
• Cut down on screen time before bed
• Skip the late-night coffee
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before going to bed

If all you want to do is lie in bed all day, and it somehow interferes with your normal life, it's time to talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Dysania is often a sign of something else like depression, hypersomnia, or sleep inertia. By getting to the root of the issue and changing your sleep habits, you can sleep better and be more up for living your life beyond the sheets.