Health
Viral ‘potato bed’ sleep trend has people cozying up for their best night’s rest
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Tucking yourself in like a smothered 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 comfy way of rearranging sheets and pillows to be surrounded and snuggled.
The first step is to lay out a fitted bedsheet upside down and stuff the perimeter with thick pillows and blankets.
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Once there’s a solid foundation of fluffy walls, the middle of the nest gets filled with blankets, comforters and any other objects to get cozy.
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.”
TikTok creator @rubyyy.eg shares a tutorial on making a potato bed. (TikTok @rubyyy.eg)
“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.
“It’s really about recreating that snug, safe feeling we associate with deep rest.”
“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.”
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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.”
Using too many heavy and hot blankets can lead to fragmented sleep, an expert cautioned. (iStock)
Lu recommended thinking of the potato bed as a “cozy relaxation ritual” rather than a permanent sleep setup.
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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.
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“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.
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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