Quick answer: Hurkle-durkle is a Scots term for lingering in bed or lounging when it is time to get up and do something else. Today, people also use it affectionately for a slow, cozy morning under the covers.
Where does “hurkle-durkle” come from?
The term comes from Scots, a language spoken in Scotland and elsewhere. The Dictionaries of the Scots Language records an 1825 Fife usage referring to lying in bed or lounging when one should be up and about. The older sense was not necessarily praise for a self-care ritual; modern social-media use gives the phrase a gentler, more playful meaning.
You may see it written with a hyphen or as two words. It describes the act of lingering, not a medical diagnosis or a formal sleep technique.
How to enjoy a slower morning
For many people, a few quiet minutes before getting up can simply be enjoyable. You might read a chapter, listen to music, stretch gently or have a conversation with someone beside you. You do not need to turn the time into another productivity task.
- Leave yourself enough time. A relaxed morning is easier when it does not make you late for a commitment.
- Prepare the night before. Set out what you need for the day if you would like a less rushed start.
- Pay attention to how you feel. If lingering helps you ease into the day, enjoy it. If it makes you more anxious or groggy, getting up may feel better.
- Keep a workable schedule. A consistent wake time can support a regular sleep routine; an occasional lie-in need not become an all-day rule.
Is staying in bed good for sleep?
Resting in bed can be pleasant, but there is no established evidence that hurkle-durkling itself treats insomnia, improves sleep quality or reduces anxiety. Spending more time in bed is also not the same as getting more sleep.
If you have persistent insomnia, your clinician may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). One component, stimulus control, helps reconnect the bed with sleep and may involve getting out of bed when you cannot sleep. Follow your own treatment plan rather than a social-media trend. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains CBT-I.
Frequently asked questions
Is hurkle-durkle a real word?
Yes. It is recorded in Scots dictionaries and has a documented history long before its recent social-media popularity.
Is hurkle-durkling the same as sleeping in?
Not quite. Sleeping in means waking later than usual. Hurkle-durkling can mean staying in bed or lounging after waking, whether or not you slept late.
How long should you stay in bed?
There is no medically prescribed duration. Choose what suits your schedule and sleep needs, and follow your clinician’s advice if you are being treated for insomnia.
Is it a cure for stress?
No. A quiet morning may feel relaxing, but it is not a proven treatment for stress, anxiety or another health condition.