Whether you have been bed rotting, taking a lazy nap on a cold Sunday, or simply trying to sleep better this fall, you might be tempted to try the viral “potato bed.” The cozy sleep setup is trending on TikTok, where users are layering their blankets and pillows into potato-shaped nests and inspiring thousands of others to do the same. Insomnia affects roughly one in three people in the UK, leaving many unable to fall or stay asleep, and this viral “potato bed” trend is being hailed online as a possible fix. In a clip shared on October 29, TikTok creator @alicekateea demonstrated how she built her own potato bed, later claiming, “I had the best night’s sleep ever, omg.” Her video shows her arranging a fitted sheet with blankets and pillows before curling up inside. Since then, the trend has sparked debate across social media, with many questioning whether the hack actually works, and what sleep experts think about it. Below, we look at why this trend went viral and whether it truly delivers better rest.What Is the Viral ‘Potato Bed’ Hack?It is easy to see why the potato bed has caught on so quickly. The setup takes only a few minutes and uses things you likely already own, a fitted sheet, a few pillows, and some blankets, yet the result looks instantly inviting. To create your own, start by clearing your bed and flipping a fitted sheet upside down so the elastic faces up. The elastic edge is what helps form the signature potato shape.Next, line the inside edges with pillows or folded blankets to form soft, rounded sides. Rearrange and fluff them until you have a snug, oval-shaped nest. For extra comfort, spread one blanket along the bottom, then pull another one over yourself. Once you’ve built your potato, imagine you’re a melting pat of butter — climb in, sink down, and let yourself relax completely.Is the Viral ‘Potato Bed’ Hack Useful for Sleeping?The “potato bed” creates a soft, cocoon-like sleeping space that resembles a baked potato. It looks warm and comforting, but does it actually improve sleep quality? Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science at Mattress Online, offered her insight into the trend’s possible pros and cons. She explained that if you enjoy being wrapped up and surrounded by warmth, you may find it easier to drift off inside a potato bed. The snug pressure from the cushions mimics the feeling of being held, similar to the soothing effect of a weighted blanket. “That gentle pressure triggers the release of feel-good hormones, helping you feel calm, content, and ready for sleep,” she said.Still, experts note that the potato bed won’t suit everyone. Not everyone enjoys sleeping in a tightly wrapped or enclosed space, and for some, it may even make falling asleep harder.Our Body Temperature Needs to Drop a Couple of Degrees to Get Good Quality SleepAccording to Hannah, the main concern lies in temperature control. “Adding more pillows and blankets can reduce airflow, trapping warm air around the body,” she explained. “During sleep, our core body temperature needs to drop slightly for us to reach the deep, restorative stages of sleep.” She also pointed out that support can become an issue. “Mattresses and pillows are designed to support your body in specific ways. By stacking too many cushions or blankets, you could reduce that support, which might leave you sore or stiff in the morning.”Her verdict? “The potato bed is similar to a nest bed — it has raised sides and plenty of blankets that create a snug feeling. It’s perfect for lounging or a short nap, but not ideal for an entire night’s sleep.”Nobody sleeps perfectly every night, and that’s normal. It’s still important to pay attention to how we rest, since good sleep affects everything from mood to physical health.While sleep experts remain divided on whether the potato bed actually helps, they all agree on one thing: real rest depends on consistent sleep hygiene. That means building a wind-down routine, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and maintaining healthy daily habits like exercising, eating well, and managing stress.
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