TikTok’s “Potato Bed” trend is blowing up – but can it actually help you sleep?

TikTok has brought us many things over the years – an endless supply of culinary inspo, DIY hacks we wish we’d never tried, and more dance routines than we knew we needed. And now it’s given us… potato beds. Yes, that’s right, potato beds. But contrary to what they may sound like, they’re not, in fact, beds made from potatoes. It's actually much more appealing!

The potato bed is TikTok’s latest sleep trend – a sort of plush, pillow-filled nest that looks a bit like a jacket potato fresh out of the oven. And people love it. One video alone has racked up over 15 million likes.

But the question is, is the potato bed just a cute trend – or could it genuinely help you sleep better?

We asked our very own Head of Sleep Science, Hannah Shore, to break it down.

So… what even is a potato bed?

The potato bed is surprisingly simple to create:

• Step 1: Flip a fitted sheet upside down so the elastic edge stands upright
• Step 2: Stuff those edges with pillows
• Step 3: Add a duvet over the cushion ‘walls’
• Step 4: Put your normal duvet on top
• Step 5: Climb in and enjoy your cosy potato cocoon

The end result? A snuggly, nest-like bed that hugs you from all sides – hence the ‘potato’ look.

It certainly looks inviting, but is it actually good for sleep? Well, maybe.

Why the potato bed might help you sleep better

According to Hannah, if you're someone who loves feeling cocooned and cosy, the potato bed could genuinely help you drift off more easily.

She says, “If you love the cocooning feel of being wrapped up and staying nice and warm, you might find yourself relaxing and falling asleep a little easier in a potato bed.”

All those pillows and blankets can mimic the comforting pressure of a cuddle, similar to the science behind weighted blankets. That gentle pressure releases feel-good hormones that help your body relax, unwind, and feel safe – all ideal conditions for sleep.

So yes, if you’re someone who sleeps best when wrapped up like a burrito, this trend could actually be a win.

But before you start stuffing your sheets, here’s the catch

The potato bed isn’t for everyone – and for some, it could actually worsen sleep.

If you hate feeling restricted, it’ll drive you mad

Some people love a tucked sheet; others kick them off immediately. If you’re the latter, a potato bed will probably feel claustrophobic.

“If you don’t like the cocooning feel, chances are you won’t find a potato bed comfortable,” Hannah says.

It can trap heat

All those extra pillows and layers create warmth – and lots of it. But to sleep well, your core temperature needs to drop. If it doesn’t? Expect restless, broken sleep throughout the night.

You might lose some essential support

Mattresses and pillows are designed to work as they are designed to. When you start adding extra cushions around your body, you may alter the way your spine is supported – resulting in stiff joints or backache.

“By piling up cushions and blankets, you may find a lack of support, which can lead to morning aches and pains,” Hannah warns.

So while the potato bed scores high on vibes, it’s not necessarily built for a full eight hours.

Love the idea but not sure it’s for you?

If you like the cocooned, cosy feeling but want something that’s actually sleep-friendly, Hannah recommends a weighted blanket. A weighted blanket can mimic the feeling of added pressure and warmth without impacting airflow or support. Weighted blankets create that cosy, hugged feeling – without overheating you or messing with your mattress’s support. It’s basically the best of both worlds.

So, is the potato bed expert approved?

Not quite. Hannah says that while the potato bed is cute and endlessly cosy, it’s probably more suited to lounging, reading, or scrolling through TikTok, as opposed to sleeping. So feel free to enjoy the novelty, but when it comes to real sleep – the kind that leaves you refreshed, restored, and ready for the next day – it’s best to stick to solutions backed by science, not trends.

If you're curious about improving your sleep (without stuffing your bed full of pillows), explore our expert sleep guides and product recommendations on our Sleep Journal.