A growing social media trend encouraging people to wrap themselves tightly in a duvet – known as the “potato bed” – may be far less sleep-friendly than it appears. According to Dr Deborah Lee, health and sleep expert at Doctor Fox working alongside Comfybedss, the cocooned sleeping position can disrupt sleep quality, increase nighttime discomfort, and worsen winter sleep issues.
Why the potato bed trend harms sleep
Dr Lee explains that compressing the body into a tight, cocoon-like space limits natural movement during the night, which is essential for healthy sleep. She says:
“Not only does this trend give you restricted movement, which is vital for sleep quality, but it can leave you waking up with aches and pains in your body, due to having to cocoon yourself up to fit in the tight area.”
She also warns that the enclosed setup can trigger anxiety and frequent awakenings.
“It can increase the chances of feeling anxious while sleeping, because it can be claustrophobic, which can cause multiple nighttime wakenings. Not to mention the chance of overheating. When you overheat at night, your body can’t drop its temperature, which is imperative for you to gain restorative and deep sleep.”
Good airflow is also essential during sleep, particularly for people who snore.
“Air needs to circulate around your face and body when sleeping – this is even more important if someone is prone to snoring.”
According to Dr Lee, the trend may be suitable as a one-off novelty, but should not become part of a regular sleep routine. “Just because it might feel comfy doesn’t mean it’s doing you any good sleep-quality-wise.”
Warning as colder weather increases sleep challenges
- As winter brings longer nights, temperature changes and seasonal illnesses, sleep is already more vulnerable. Dr Lee explains that combining winter conditions with the potato bed trend can lead to:
Night sweats followed by chills due to trapped heat
Interrupted sleep cycles caused by overheating
Higher risk of winter congestion from reduced airflow and humidity build-up
More frequent nighttime awakenings during sudden temperature drops
Although the trend appears cosy online, Dr Lee notes that many people will find themselves increasingly uncomfortable as the night goes on, leading to poorer sleep and daytime tiredness.
Better winter sleep alternatives
Instead of tight cocooning, Dr Lee recommends:
Using breathable bedding
Keeping duvets loose rather than wrapped around the body
Layering blankets so temperature can be easily adjusted
Maintaining a cool bedroom of 16–18°C
These simple changes allow the body to regulate temperature naturally and support deeper, restorative sleep throughout winter.