Chicken Wine, Pizza & Indoor Roller Skating: The Rise of Adult Sleepovers

Don't mature; it's a trap. That oft-seen phrase typically displayed on canvases within the bargain bins at Homesense next to the Live Laugh Love mirrors might be overused, yet there could be some truth to it.

Perhaps this explains the trend of adults in recent years embracing their younger selves, whether by participating in extremely challenging obstacle races, accessorizing with Louboutin shoes at workplaces, or enthusiastically gathering various collectibles they would have once tossed into the rubbish.bin so they can glue them into a junk journal.

And now, yet another childhood fascination is capturing everyone's interest everywhere. social media — the classic old-school slumber party.

Once upon a time the centerpiece of numerous occasions school social calendars, laughs, tears and secrets were shared over scary movies, face masks , along with a handful of prank calls (should you manage to nail down an untraceable dialect), these have been the source of many of our fondest memories.

While we're not advocating for adding 141 before dialing your boss’s number so you can laugh it off with your mates, there might still be some merit to exploring alternative options. value in those overnight stays.

It's clear that they're experiencing quite a surge. The tag #sleepover has hit 1.2 million engagements on TikTok , and celebs like the Kardashians and Ariana Grande are linking up to join in the hype with a Wicked-themed stayover. Meanwhile, influencers Saffron Barker and Imogen Cribb have recently introduced their new nighttime apparel line called Girl Uniform, designed with slumber parties in mind.

Firms like Sleepovers & Co and Tee Pee Vibe Tribe have jumped into this trend by arranging deluxe slumber parties exclusively for adults. These experiences often feature elements such as prosecco games, gourmet breakfast platters, and customised mugs, along with decor items including balloon arches, twinkling string lights, and plush cushions—all done up in a stylish rose gold color palette, naturally.

The tourism The industry is also embracing it, as seen with The Shankly Hotel. Liverpool providing spaces for groups of ten, whereas the Rooftop Film Club organizes PJ parties where attendees can come dressed in their pajamas and enjoy romantic comedies like "Mamma Mia."

T The rationale for the resurgence

"Going back to sleepovers as grown-ups isn't backward; it's rejuvenating. It helps us rediscover aspects of ourselves we've been taught to suppress," says psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani. .

'As we mature, we're frequently instructed, sometimes discreetly, that happiness ought to be replaced by productivity, duty, and independence. Behaviours like child-like playfulness and gentleness are perceived as excessive or juvenile. Enjoyment is usually the first casualty when our lives become hectic; however, it serves as an incredibly potent instrument for maintaining mental health.'

'The reality is that giving priority to enjoyment, particularly when shared with those we trust, aids in regulating our nervous system, fortifying relationships, and forging positive emotional recollections. This fulfils essential emotional requirements such as connection, inclusion, and being present. It reaffirms that we are not solely defined by our actions but also have permission to experience happiness.'

When I asked my girl group chats For their opinions on this hobby, the feedback was quite excited. Numerous individuals were already part of this craze, going to a buddy’s place directly after work on Fridays and only departing by Saturday afternoon. Even those who had not considered sleepovers in ages found themselves longing for one with just a hint.

Since I relocated to London a decade ago, I've become an avid fan. At the beginning, this choice was driven by necessity; rather than taking the late-night bus following an evening get-together, it seemed more secure and less exhausting to just pack an overnight bag.

But it isn’t just the ease that has meant my bathroom drawer is filled with toothbrushes purposely left behind by my pals, as their stays are so frequent, it’s the joy of the act.

While it’s still fun to put on our highest heels and knock back picantes in bustling bars, there’s something about sitting in comfortable silence while watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days for the tenth time, or chatting about our future dreams over a pack of Revels. It is my opinion that, as romantic partners often get to enjoy these low-key moments daily, friends, who are just as important, deserve them too.

'There’s an increasing longing for richer, more significant relationships, particularly following years of digital engagement and solitude.'

'Social media has made adult sleepovers seem more commonplace by presenting them as not only acceptable but also emotionally fulfilling,' notes Dr Suglani.

'Many people long for the type of intimacy, low-stress, warm, and nurturing atmosphere that slumber parties inherently provide.'

The liberty to express yourself authentically

Late-night gatherings aren't solely for millennials and Gen Z; even 57-year-old Gen-Xers participate. Sam Adams She often spends the night at her close friends' places. They've tried various activities together, such as belting out tunes using hairbrush microphones and performing burlesque dances in the living room, not to mention zooming around a conservatory on roller skates. However, most of their time is usually taken up with sipping prosecco and munching on popcorn while catching up with each other.

Sam thinks that a specific degree of closeness can only be attained when there's no time constraint in a domestic environment. She mentions it's the captivating blend of 'coziness and commotion' that makes her repeatedly return for more.

'There’s a liberty in being completely authentic without the urgency of rushing back home or the stress of putting on a show. It’s simply about appearing exactly as you are—bare-faced and cozy,' she explains. .

'There's something magical about staying awake past bedtime. With no hidden plans or pretenses, you get the opportunity to chat nonsense, burst into laughter where someone might let out a snort, and eventually find yourself buried under heaps of blankets. This experience feels replenishing and strangely more authentic than most things.'

The appeal lies in not having anyone overhear your conversation like you might experience in a bustling restaurant or bar. 'In quieter surroundings, more profound topics tend to surface—fears, heartbreaks, grand ambitions,' notes Sam. This vulnerability feels incredibly authentic.

Not only does it boost your mental well-being, but having sleepovers also spares a hit on your wallet. Given that over 90% of us consider the cost of living as the top concern for the UK*, an expense limited to little more than a cheap bottle of plonk and some Dominos can really make a difference.

Frequently, there’s a significant 'friendship fee'; spending one or two hours outside the house might result in substantial costs – typically, an evening out amounts to around £73. You may have splurged more than what you pay for your monthly phone bill without even touching on deeper subjects like who should portray Britney Spears in her rumored biopic.

This event doesn’t necessitate extensive prior planning, making it appealing for people tired of WhatsApp location polls or discussions about outings that never materialize. Just choose a date and attend. This flexibility is particularly valued when friends are at various phases in their lives.

Bringing back BFF vibes

Lindsey Frodsham, 32, tells ‘Now that my mates are having children, a sleepover means they won’t need a babysitter.’

'My mother’s friends have discovered that the shift in lifestyle can feel lonely, but this activity allows us to remain connected, which they value.'

A key reason why sleepovers held such significance during childhood was that they occurred when friendship took precedence in our lives. As adults, however, these bonds frequently yield to romantic relationships, professional pursuits, and familial duties. 'It can be simple to lose touch with friends over time,' notes Lindsey, 'but I've discovered how vital it is to carve out moments for them just like we do for family members and significant others, since each type of relationship enriches my life uniquely.'

In light of the UK being amidst a loneliness epidemic – where one in four adults report feeling loneliness frequently, constantly, or occasionally – her statement holds validity.

'Feeling lonely doesn't simply involve being by yourself; it's also related to the sense of disconnection.' not feeling seen or known Dr Suglani states, "Sleepovers provide valuable moments where people can let their guard down and establish genuine connections. These experiences underscore that it's okay to be an integral part of another person's life and highlight that we aren’t supposed to navigate life alone."

'Sleepovers can foster emotional security, which forms the basis for strong, enduring connections. This type of bond reduces stress, enhances resilience, and assists us in feeling more grounded in our daily existence.'

Sam concurs: "It’s important to have individuals who witness us in every aspect of ourselves—joyful, chaotic, confused, boisterous—and yet decide to remain near. Particularly during adulthood, when life becomes hectic and picture-perfect, genuine connections become even more essential."

Dr. Lalitaa Suglani represented search trend specialists when she spoke. Big Fat Link Research conducted by Allied Market Research, Office for National Statistics, and Statista

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