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A good night’s sleep or even a quick nap leaves you recharged and refreshed. While it’s possible to fall asleep anywhere, from a lunchtime snooze at the desk to a seat on a bus, people tend to seek out snug, cozy places to catch up on zzz’s.
According to the Free Press Journal, a viral sleeping hack called a “potato bed” is a new lifestyle trend. It urges people to sleep in a setup that resembles a baked potato. In a potato bed, the sleeper nestles in a warm center, surrounded by a nest of fluffy pillows and blankets.
What is a Potato Bed?
A potato bed is an extra-cozy sleeping nook created by layering comfort items, pillows, duvets, natural fabrics, and blankets. This sleeping hack can provide security, warmth, and gentle deep pressure.
Content creator Alice Eakh (@alicekateea) posted about trying a potato bed, Fox News reports. In the caption of a viral TikTok video that’s received more than 126,000 likes, she wrote that she “had the best night’s sleep ever.” To make a potato bed, begin by flipping a bedsheet that normally fits around a mattress, upside-down. Then, line its inside edge with blankets and pillows. Add cozy comforters to the middle and dive in.
Cocooning for a Better Night’s Sleep
The potato bed is all about “cocooning” or building a cozy “nest-like” sleeping space. Dr. William Lu, medical director of Dreem Health, shares with Fox News that this setup may support better rest. “When your body feels secure and your mind feels safe, it’s easier to drift off and stay asleep,” Lu explains. “That light, even pressure can help lower stress hormones like cortisol while boosting serotonin and oxytocin, chemicals that make you feel relaxed and sleepy,” he adds.
When and How to Use the Potato Bed
Dr. Rachel Salas, a professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, tells HuffPost that cocooning “may help reduce anxiety by fostering a sense of being held,” but says the trend isn’t for everyone. “This trend may not be suitable for young children, pets or individuals with mobility issues, as they may struggle to safely navigate confined spaces,” Salas adds. She suggests weighted blankets and a darker, quieter sleeping area can still provide comfort and relaxation while prioritizing safety.
Other experts also weigh in on the sustainability of sleeping like a potato. “The recommended room temperature for good sleep is actually between 60 and 68 degrees,” says Allison Wilkerson, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Too many blankets can create more heat and work against this principle,” she explains. Lu adds that the potato bed can potentially lead to unnatural sleeping positions that cause back aches. He therefore recommends the trend for short periods, rather than overnight stretches.
Testing out the Potato Bed
Another potential concern with this bedtime trend is that some may become dependent on it to fall asleep. However, for many, the potato bed provides a harmless and calming experience. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, says that it’s easy to test whether potato-bedding works for you. “If you have had a good night’s sleep, and you wake up with no aches and pains, then the chances are you are sleeping fine and your sleeping environment is great,” Shore explains.
However, Salas adds, if you generally have difficulty staying asleep, it’s important to seek the advice of a doctor to rule out an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
The potato bed is all about curling up in a pile of pillows and blankets, enjoying a cozy sleep haven, and dozing off snuggled up in a comfy nest. As sleep experts share, there are many ways to create a sense of comfort and relaxation, and to give yourself some much-needed rest, whether you go “full potato” or not.
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