‘Potato bed’ viral TikTok trend promises better sleep with cozy pillow nest
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Letting yourself cool like a baked potato is the newest way to get a great night’s sleep.
A TikTok trend called the “potato bed” has gone viral as a cozy way to rearrange sheets and pillows to tuck and snuggle.
The first step is to put the sheet upside down and fill it with thick pillows and blankets around it.
WHAT IS ‘REDISHED SKIN SYNDROME’? EXPERTS WARN THAT HEATING CUSHIONS AND BLANKETS CAN CAUSE SKIN DAMAGE
Once a solid foundation of fluffy walls is formed, the middle of the nest is filled with blankets, quilts and other objects for comfort. A laptop that plays movies or a good book is recommended.
TikTok creators are trying to try this trend themselves. A user named Alice (@alicekateea) wrote in the caption of her video that she “had the best night’s sleep ever.”
“So it’s just an adult-sized nursery?” one user commented. “No wonder you slept well!”
Another user wrote: “I’m already a couch potato, now I’m going to be a bed potato.”
TikTok creator @rubyyy.eg shares a tutorial on making a potato bed. (TikTok @rubyyy.eg)
Dreem Health’s medical director, Dr. In an interview with Fox News Digital, William Lu commented that the potato bed is a “fun, cozy take” on the concept of “cocooning” or creating a nest-like sleeping environment.
“I’m not surprised that this has become widespread,” the California-based expert said. “People are craving comfort, calm and security right now, and the potato bed lends itself to exactly that. While it may seem fun, it’s actually about recreating that comfortable, safe feeling we associate with deep rest.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The feeling of being “gently hugged with pillows and blankets” can mimic the effects of a weighted blanket or hug, according to a sleep expert.
“This gentle, even pressure can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol while also increasing serotonin and oxytocin, chemicals that make you feel relaxed and sleepy,” Lu said.
“When your body feels safe and your mind feels safe, it’s easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.”
CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Lu cautioned that too much heat can cause sleep disruption because best sleep occurs when core body temperature drops slightly. He noted that stacking too many layers can “trap heat” and make it harder for the body to cool down.
“You can also lose proper alignment of your spine if you surround yourself with soft pillows,” Lu added. “Over time, this can lead to neck or back pain. If you wake up feeling sore or sweaty, that’s a sign you’re in pain.”
Using too many heavy, warm blankets can lead to fragmented sleep, an expert has warned. (iStock)
Lu suggested thinking of potato bed as a “comfortable relaxation ritual” rather than a permanent sleep routine.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Creating a bed of potatoes for a short nap, relaxing before bed, or a warm rest in the colder months are the best options, he said.
The sleep expert also recommended having a lightweight comforter and fewer layers to make sure the mattress and main pillow still provide plenty of support.
CLICK FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS
“The goal isn’t to bury yourself in feathers; it’s to create a comfortable, calming space that will help your body and mind relax before sleep,” she said.
