Lifestyle Pick (Potato Bed)

Potato Bed is the Latest Relaxing Corner!

Do you have a potato bed to lazily loll in during hot summers or tuck in yourself under the warm sheets on wintry nights? Discover why potato bed is becoming a much desirable sleeping nest to unwind after a hard day’s work.

By PRAMITA BOSE

Bedtime Stories

You need a bed to repose and chillax after a gruelling grind. Some comfy pillows, fluffy bolsters, soft blankets, snug duvets, cushy throws and what not serve well to lie down or recline for a power nap. Or better still, slip into long hours of sound sleep to boost energy and lift the mood.

“Well, you always look for a cosy corner to doze off for a while and what better way to do that with a makeshift bed or a D-I-Y sleeping bag,” gushes Vandana Kapoor, a young avid film buff and a serious student of cinema.

“Boy! I can never get over SRK’s (Bollywood superstar actor Shah Rukh Khan) recreational vehicle (RV) in the hit movie Swades wherein he was shown cruising through a sleepy hamlet in his conveyance-cum-home on wheels. From bedroom to kitchen to a washroom, every unit fitted conveniently into the moving accommodation,” she further rattles off.

“I would someday want to drive a camper’s van with all my e-equipment loaded into it and hit the road to luxuriate in nature. On my way, I’d love to film my journey and everything around me,” enthuses young electronics engineer Kaushik Saha, who’s a gadget geek. “Of course, I’ll make sure to carry along tents, cushions and hammocks to prepare a potato bed on a patch of rustic grassland under a vast open blue sky,” he announces.

Season-Friendly

Is a potato bed suitable for all seasons, given India’s tropical climate?

“A potato bed may feel comforting during winter or cooler monsoon days but in hot and humid weather, the multiple layers can trap heat and cause a bit of discomfort. That makes it unsuitable for regular or year-round use,” reasons life and mindset coach Ruchi Dwivedi.

A potato bed can work all through the year if materials and layering are made season-compatible. During cooler months or in air-conditioned spaces, thicker duvets, weighted blankets and plush textiles provide a comfort zone. In warmer seasons, the concept needs to be lightened as then fewer layers, breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking materials become essential. Cotton-filled cushions, lightweight quilts and linen covers allow air circulation while maintaining a cosy feel.

“We believe, the essence of a potato bed isn’t just about piling up layers in bulk randomly but feeling cuddled up in comfort with a seamless effort. Thus, by adjusting the textures and layers according to the season, the idea can remain practical and enjoyable all the year round without weighing down on someone or compromising on his/her level of comfort,” inputs Rohan Jain, director of the interior designing wing at RJ Projects.

Drawback

One wonders if a ‘potato bed’ can cause any unhealthy impact to one’s body.

“Yes, especially if used frequently. Too many layers can raise body temperature, which interferes with quality sleep. Also, sleeping in awkward or unsupported positions may lead to neck, shoulder or backaches over time,” alerts Dwivedi.

Like most lifestyle trends, moderation and correct execution are crucial. An overly soft or poorly propped-up setup can induce posture issues, especially if used for long hours.

“We emphasise that the comfort quotient should never be compromised with due to poor ergonomics. A proper mattress with adequate spinal support is essential, even when adding multiple supple, spongy layers. Excessive heat retention or restricted movement may also cause uneasiness, particularly in warm climates. It’s important to balance softness with breathability and structure. If used mindfully, a potato bed can be convenient for relaxation, short sojourns or winding down. However, it should complement and not replace a well-designed sleep system that prioritises health and long-term comfort,” advises Jain.

‘Do It’ List for Sound Sleep

The surrounding ambience is another important factor to fall asleep smoothly without any disturbance or distraction. But how can one make the immediate environment sleep-friendly?

“Trends aside, good uninterrupted sleep starts with addressing what’s going on within. If someone feels anxious before bedtime, it’s important to look at the root cause rather than only relying on external comforts. That said, a dark room, avoiding gadgets, soft calming music, a warm shower, light massage for hands or legs and writing gratitude or the next day’s plan can help the body and mind slow down. Avoid anything mentally or physically stimulating close to bedtime,” advises Dwivedi.

Apt sleep-friendly milieus rely on sensory balance. Focus on lighting, acoustics, temperature and the visual aspects to enable fuss-free rest.

Subdued lighting, preferably layered with ambient and task lights, helps signal the body to wind down. Blackout curtains or sheer layering can control natural light without making the space feel claustrophobic.

Acoustically, upholstered surfaces, rugs and fabric panels help absorb noise, especially in city homes.

Temperature regulation is equally important; breathable materials and good ventilation make a significant difference.

Visually, clutter-free surfaces, soothing colour palettes and natural materials create mental tranquility. Adding personal elements like art, soft music or subtle scents can further personalise the space, making it feel restful and emotionally grounding.

Favourable Atmosphere

Dr. Prashant Makhija, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, states that “the brain responds strongly to environmental cues. A dark room reduces stimulation to the optic nerve, supporting melatonin secretion (melatonin hormone is secreted by the pineal gland and released into the bloodstream. This is primarily triggered by darkness to signal nighttime to the body, thereby determining the sleep-wake cycles).”

He further explains that “minimal noise can activate auditory cortex, which in turn, disrupts sleep cycles or sleep continuity. A cool room temperature (around 18-22°C) supports the natural drop in cerebral (brain’s) temperature, often falling below the core body temperature, especially in non-REM (rapid eye movement behind eyelids during dreams) sleep. This commences sleep, leading to energy storage. For example, using blackout curtains, avoiding bright screens before bedtime, maintaining silence or white noise and keeping the bedroom clutter-free could appropriately signal the brain that it is nighttime and the ideal hour to rest.”

Getting the Right Posture

A correct human posture is highly important to get the right dose of sound sleep. But what is the right position to get sleep quickly and easily?

“Correct sleeping posture helps maintain spinal alignment, prevents nerve compression and allows the body and brain to stay relaxed through the night,” informs Dr. Makhija.

“Poor posture can trigger discomfort and frequent micro-awakenings. Sleeping flat on the back (supine position) can increase the risk of airway collapse in some people, leading to breathing pauses or positional sleep apnea. Therefore, sleeping in a lateral (side-lying) position is generally preferred, as it supports better breathing and more uninterrupted sleep. There is no scientific evidence that one specific side (left or right) is universally better; comfort and airway openness matter most,” he elaborates.

Minimum Length of Sleeping Time

Why do humans need a minimum of eight hours’ sleep?

The brain requires sufficient time to cycle through all sleep stages—light sleep, deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) and REM sleep — multiple times.

“Deep sleep supports neuronal repair, memory consolidation and removal of metabolic waste through the glymphatic system. REM sleep is crucial for emotional regulation, learning and cognitive processing. Neurologically, fewer than 7-8 hours can disrupt these characteristics, impair synaptic plasticity, hamper attention as well as emotional stability,” notifies Dr. Makhija.

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