Don’t Ever Sleep Close to Your Phone at Night if You Don’t Want These Things to Happen
If you find yourself dozing off with your phone under your pillow or just within arm’s reach on a nightstand, you’re not alone. Around 45% of cell phone users feel the need to keep their devices close by at night.
There are many reasons for this: catching up on messages or calls before bed, using it as an alarm clock, fearing we’ll miss an important text, or waiting for a social media update.
While we may have the best intentions, the reality is that keeping your phone turned on and nearby while you sleep might not be the healthiest choice.
Here are four reasons why sleeping near your phone can be harmful.
1. Setting Your Room on Fire
It might sound surprising, but your cell phone has enough power to spark a fire easily. If you sleep with your phone under your pillow, a spark could ignite those dry materials, potentially starting a fire right next to you while you sleep.
2. Reduction in Sound Sleep
Having a turned-on phone nearby at night means even the slightest sounds can disrupt your sleep. For a truly restful night, you need about eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. If your phone is on, notifications for emails, texts, chat requests, calls, and updates can wake you up repeatedly. Moreover, your phone emits blue light at night.
Studies show that blue light can inhibit the body’s ability to produce melatonin, which disrupts your sleep cycle. These wavelengths mimic daylight, tricking your body into thinking it’s daytime. Turning off your mobile devices before bed can help your body wind down and ensure you get the rest you need.
3. Small Traces of Radiation
Though it’s still debated whether excessive cell phone use can cause cancer, it’s a fact that cell phones emit small amounts of electromagnetic radiation when turned on.
While long-term health risks aren’t conclusively proven, these emissions are similar to those from microwaves and X-ray machines. It’s worth noting, though the risks aren’t fully confirmed.
4. Derailing Brain Functions
You might think you’re sleeping enough each night, but your brain could be interrupted many times by the radiation from your cell phone. The brain needs to go through several sleep cycles to recharge and help you feel refreshed the next day.
Interrupted sleep from blue light or phone noises can disrupt your brain’s activity. Studies with healthy subjects exposed to Wi-Fi radiation for just 45 minutes showed a significant decrease in energy levels compared to those who slept without a phone nearby.
