PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a city known for its cheesesteaks, murals, and grit, Philadelphians are proving that even rest comes with a sense of moderation. A new national survey from Sudoku Bliss found that Philadelphia ranks among the least “bed-rotting” cities in America — landing fifth from the bottom in a 40-city comparison of how much time people spend lounging in bed outside of sleeping.
According to the study, residents in Philadelphia spend an average of 2.6 hours a day in bed engaged in passive activities such as scrolling on phones, watching TV, or talking on the phone — an amount well below the national average of three hours. Sixteen percent of respondents said they’ve been spending more time in bed recently, while 62% view bed rotting as a legitimate form of self-care, the 11th highest rate in the country.
“Bed rotting,” a social media term for extended, non-sleeping time spent in bed, has emerged as both a wellness trend and a warning sign. While experts say short periods of rest can help reduce stress, excessive time in bed can reinforce lethargy and isolation. Sudoku Bliss framed the findings as a measure of how Americans balance comfort and productivity.
Nationally, San Antonio, Indianapolis, and Houston ranked as the top “bed-rotting” cities, with residents spending nearly four hours a day in bed beyond sleep. In contrast, Philadelphia’s lower ranking suggests a population that prioritizes movement, work, and social connection over endless lounging — even if talking on the phone remains a local favorite pastime under the covers.
The study surveyed 3,012 Americans across 40 major metropolitan areas, awarding each city a “bed-rotting score” on a 0-to-100 scale. While 69% of respondents nationwide said they consider bed rotting a valid form of self-care, three in five admitted they often spend more time in bed than intended.
In the City of Brotherly Love, where hustle is a cultural instinct, it seems even self-care comes with limits — and maybe a side of motivation.
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