For Nilanjana Ray, her bathroom is where she feels truly unreachable. “It’s that space where I can be the most vulnerable, wash it away, and rise again. I don’t have to carry that negativity into my room,” said Ray, an assistant professor at the University of Delhi, who lives in a shared accommodation.What was once just a space for basic bodily needs is now evolving into a personal sanctuary for many. People are spending longer periods inside their bathrooms — scrolling through their phones, meditating, journalling, or simply sitting in silence. The phenomenon, dubbed bathroom camping, reflects a growing desire to disconnect and decompress –– even if it means locking yourself in a tiled enclosure for a while.Indianexpress.com spoke to people embracing this trend, as well as medical professionals, to explore what’s fuelling this odd but relatable form of escape, and also the health risks that come with it.“My bathroom is my reset button”For Ray, the space is curated and comforting. It is where she flexes her interior design prowess. “I loathe white tube lights. They make it feel like a hospital. I use yellow LEDs, keep nice aromatics, and even place essential oils in the corners sometimes,” she said.Aditya Sharma, a Delhi-based PR professional, called his bathroom a safe space for emotional release. “If you’re the sole breadwinner or head of the family, you can’t let your emotions show. It might worry others, younger members who need to focus on studies, or elders dealing with health issues. So you bottle it up, until you’re alone.” For him, that solitude comes behind a locked bathroom door.While music, LinkedIn, and Instagram reels are a mainstay during these sessions, Sharma sometimes carries novels or even plays chess online, inside the bathroom. “But I often end up staying way too long because the game pulls me in and demands full attention. It’s hard to break away mid-match,” he said.The emotional need to shut the doorAccording to Dr Rahul Chandhok, senior consultant and head of psychiatry at Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi, this trend reflects deeper emotional needs. “There’s a growing urge to escape — from responsibilities, expectations, and overstimulation. For many, the bathroom becomes the only place where they can truly be alone,” he said.Story continues below this adDr Chandhok, however, warned that if these “escapes” become too frequent or prolonged, it might be a sign of burnout. “Taking a short break is healthy. But if someone feels the need to hide away all the time, it’s a signal to address deeper issues. Real well-being comes from balance, clear boundaries, and healthier coping mechanisms,” he said. Many love reading in the silence of the washroom (Source: Freepik)For some, the washroom even doubles as a creative den. Shravan Ajay, founder and creative head at The Content Theory, called it his “thinking chamber.” “Some of my best ideas, including two of my most successful ad campaigns for tech clients, have sparked while sitting there,” he said. No mountains or beaches needed, just tiled walls and uninterrupted quiet.“For a lot of people, the bathroom is the only place where they can shut the door on the outside world. It gives them privacy, time alone, and a chance to breathe without being judged or interrupted,” said Dr Chandhok.ALSO READ | This item in your bathroom is dirtier than your toilet bowl, says study; see how to clean itWhat do health experts have to say?“Spending long periods in moist environments like bathrooms can lead to multiple health issues, many of which people don’t immediately associate with the habit,” said Dr Sambit Kumar Bhuyan, consultant gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar. “From skin infections to urinary problems, prolonged sitting in a humid setting, especially on the toilet, is not without risk.”Story continues below this adDr Sai Lahari Rachumallu, associate consultant, dermatology, at the same hospital, said, “Intertrigo — inflammation between skin folds caused by friction and sweat — is common in such settings. So are fungal infections, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, and urinary tract infections.”“Humid, moist environment is ideal for microbes to thrive, and your bathroom can quickly become a breeding ground if you’re not cautious. Prolonged sitting, especially in tight or wet clothes, may seem harmless but can snowball into skin infections or urinary issues,” he said.While bathroom camping may offer temporary relief from the loud, demanding world, if you’re one of those who resort to this, it might be a good time to reflect on what you’re seeking refuge from.