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Finding the ultimate comfort in your sleep has taken a novel turn, inspired by the humble baked potato. This new bedtime trend, aptly named the “potato bed,” has been sweeping TikTok, offering a snug and cozy way to rearrange your sleeping space.
To craft your own potato bed, begin by flipping a fitted bedsheet inside out and lining its edges with an assortment of plush pillows and blankets. This creates a cushioned boundary, forming the base of your cozy cocoon.
Next, fill the center with layers of blankets, comforters, or any other soft items that enhance your comfort. The goal is to create a nest-like environment where you can fully relax.
For an added touch of relaxation, consider bringing along a laptop to watch your favorite movie or a good book to dive into as you nestle into your newly arranged sanctuary. This trend not only promises warmth but also a delightful escape into slumber.
A laptop playing a movie or a good book is recommended.
TikTok creators have been attempting the trend themselves. One user named Alice (@alicekateea) wrote in the caption of her video that she “had the best night’s sleep ever.”
“So just an adult-sized baby nest?” one user commented. “No wonder you slept good!”
Another user wrote, “I’m already a couch potato, now I’m going to be a bed potato too.”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. William Lu, medical director of Dreem Health, commented that the potato bed is a “fun, cozy take” on the concept of “cocooning” or creating a nest-like sleep environment.
“I’m not surprised it’s catching on,” said the California-based expert. “People are craving comfort, calm and security right now, and the potato bed taps right into that. While it looks playful, it’s really about recreating that snug, safe feeling we associate with deep rest.”
The sensation of being “gently surrounded by pillows and blankets” can mimic the effects of a weighted blanket or being cuddled, according to the sleep expert.
“That light, even pressure can help lower stress hormones like cortisol while boosting serotonin and oxytocin, chemicals that make you feel relaxed and sleepy,” said Lu.
“When your body feels secure and your mind feels safe, it’s easier to drift off and stay asleep.”
Lu did caution that too much warmth may cause disruption to sleep, since the best sleep occurs when the core body temperature drops slightly. Piling on too many layers can “trap heat,” making it harder for the body to cool down, he noted.
“Also, if you’re surrounding yourself with soft pillows, you might lose proper spinal alignment,” Lu added. “Over time, that can lead to neck or back pain. If you wake up feeling sore or sweaty, that’s your sign to scale it back.”
Lu recommended thinking of the potato bed as a “cozy relaxation ritual” rather than a permanent sleep setup.
Building a potato bed for a short nap, a wind-down before bed or a warm respite during the colder months are the best options, he said.
The sleep expert also suggested keeping one lightweight duvet and fewer layers to ensure that the mattress and primary pillow are still providing plenty of support.
“The goal isn’t to bury yourself in fluff — it’s to create a comfortable, calming space that helps your body and mind relax before sleep,” he said.
