A centuries-old Scottish term for staying in bed after waking is making a surprising resurgence in the United States, especially among younger generations, according to new research from Amerisleep.com.
The practice, known as “hurkle-durkle,” describes lingering under the covers after waking up. Once seen as laziness, it is now being reframed by many as intentional self-care.
The survey found nearly 3 in 5 Americans admit to hurkle-durkling in the morning. Four out of five Gen Zers say they can’t start their day without it, while women are 23% more likely than men to indulge. Remote workers also reported higher rates of the behavior compared to daily commuters.
The trend, which went viral on TikTok in 2024, reflects shifting attitudes toward work, rest and wellness. Dictionary.com also added “bed rotting” that year, a related phrase describing prolonged lounging.
“This isn’t inherently bad,” said Amerisleep sleep coach Geoff McKinnen. “A few extra minutes of mindful rest can reduce stress and create a smoother transition into the day. The key is moderation — what feels like self-care can quickly become avoidance if you’re spending 30 minutes or more in bed every morning.”
The survey also highlighted potential drawbacks: hurkle-durklers are five times more likely to procrastinate than those who get up immediately. Only 18% of people said they rise right away on weekdays, while weekends magnify the trend, with 22% of Americans staying in bed more than 30 minutes after waking.
Experts say the cultural shift underscores how younger generations are challenging traditional “rise and grind” routines. While mindful rest can boost mental health, excessive hurkle-durkling may harm productivity and signal stress or burnout.
To balance rest with readiness, McKinnen recommends stretching in bed, opening curtains for natural light, stepping outside for fresh air, practicing self-massage, and starting the day with small tasks like making the bed.
Hurkle-durkle may have originated in 1800s Scotland with negative connotations, but in 2025 it is reshaping how Americans think about mornings — and redefining the fine line between self-care and procrastination.
