Do you remember those childhood days when having a sleepover at a friend's house, laughing uncontrollably late into the night, and talking for hours was the greatest joy? As we grew older, the burden of work and responsibilities stole that carefree fun from us.

However, in 2026, this trend (the Sleepover Trend) has made a strong comeback. Now, even young adults in their 30s and 40s are resorting to sleepovers with friends to combat loneliness.

A blessing for mental health
Psychologists believe that in today's fast-paced digital world, where meeting someone has become merely a formality, sleepovers are a blessing for our mental health. It's not just about sleeping at a friend's house, but about those informal and relaxed conversations that aren't possible during a two-hour lunch or dinner at a restaurant.

Moments of peace in a world of pretense
In her book 'Hanging Out', psychologist Professor Sheila Liming explains that today, friendships have largely become superficial, like simply replying on WhatsApp or meeting for a formal coffee.

In contrast, there are no time constraints during a sleepover. The company of friends acts like a tonic. Here, you can sit together for hours watching TV in silence or discuss your favorite dishes at 3 AM. This is the freedom that formal meetings don't offer.

An opportunity to connect with your inner child
According to psychologist Dr. Emily Crosby, spending time with friends in this way reconnects us with our childhood. Reliving old memories is incredibly pleasant and gives us a sense of emotional security. When we feel safe with our friends, anxiety and nervousness automatically decrease. The trend is growing in India too.
This way of spending the night with friends is now also turning into a big market:

Five-star hotels like London's 'Royal Lancaster' are offering sleepover packages for up to ₹50,000, which include spa kits, luxury pajamas, and cocktails.

The trending videos with the hashtag #sleepover prove that people want to relive their childhood.

In major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, friend groups are now organizing these sleepovers to combat the 'loneliness epidemic'.

PC Social Media