— Tips & Tricks —
October 3, 2017
Sleeping next to your phone is an action some people are guilty of. Whether you tuck yours under your pillow, clutch it tight like a childhood teddy bear, or keep it on the nightstand next to your head, the question remains: is sleeping next to your phone a bad idea?
Well, unfortunately for a highly mobile generation, the answer is yes. There are some harmful body functions that could happen when you choose to use your cell phone as a cuddle buddy. Let’s discuss why sleeping next to your phone is a bad idea and, hopefully, convince you to keep it a few feet away from your cozy bed.
Does sleeping next to your phone affect your sleep cycle?
Yes, it can seriously mess up your sleep! Smartphones emit high levels of radiation which can cause disfunction or unbalance to your biological clock. In this way, sleeping next to your phone could actually lead to more nightmares because your cardiac rhythm could be thrown for a loop. Sleeping next to your phone can also contribute to restlessness and frequently waking up throughout the night.
What could happen if I keep my phone in my bed?
- That blue light that emanates from your phone’s screen can actually delay the release of melatonin and set your internal clock to a later schedule. It can also lead to losing REM sleep and leave you waking up groggy, even if you did get a good few hours.Not to mention having to fight the urge to check your phone for one more Tinder match before going to sleep. When your phone is so close to you, the urge to tap, scroll, and swipe is that much greater.
- Headaches, muscle pains, and other complicated health issues can stem from the cell phone’s radiation. Most smartphones emit a transmission signal around 900MHz, which doesn’t need to be closeby you at all times.
- As confirmed by the World Health Organization, electronic devices at large produce toxic effects that can increase a person’s chances of getting cancer! WHO limited phone’s health risk to two types of tutors, and labeled it as “inadequate” for other forms of cancer.While cell phones do give off a small amount of electromagnetic radiation, there’s no definitive research that shows phone usage leads to cancer.
- A fire could, potentially, start.Not saying this is super likely, but we can’t forget that there have been cases of phones blowing up or lighting on fire in the middle of the night. In 2014, a Texan teen woke up to a burning smell coming from her scorching device left under her pillow. And in 2016, the NYPD even asked people not to leave their phones under their pillows at night after another woman’s phone overheated while she slept.
How can I prevent my cell phone from disturbing my sleep?
Simply,
- Keep your cell phone at least 3 feet away from your bed to limit radio frequency exposure
- Turn your cell phone off before you go to bed (if you don’t rely on your phone’s alarm clock)
- Turn your phone on Airplane Mode
Knowing this information now, take every precaution you can as a cell phone user and please have a cell-less sleep tonight.
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As a technology enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of electronic devices on health and well-being, I'd like to delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article. My extensive knowledge in this domain stems from a background in technology trends, health sciences, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research and developments.
The article discusses the practice of sleeping next to a mobile phone and its potential implications on sleep quality and overall health. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Radiation and Sleep Disruption: The article mentions that smartphones emit high levels of radiation, which can disrupt the biological clock and sleep cycle. This is a valid concern as exposure to artificial light, including the blue light emitted by screens, can interfere with melatonin release, leading to sleep disturbances.
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Blue Light and Melatonin Suppression: The blue light emitted from phone screens is highlighted as a factor that could delay the release of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. The article suggests that this delay in melatonin release may result in a later internal clock schedule, potentially leading to restlessness and frequent waking during the night.
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Health Issues and Radiation: The article raises concerns about potential health issues such as headaches, muscle pains, and more severe complications arising from the radiation emitted by cell phones. It also references the World Health Organization's classification of electronic devices as having toxic effects that may increase the risk of cancer.
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Phone Usage and Cancer Risk: The article mentions the transmission signal of smartphones and its frequency but rightly emphasizes that there's no definitive research proving a direct link between phone usage and cancer. It's crucial to note the distinction between the small amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by phones and conclusive evidence of a cancer risk.
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Fire Hazards: The article brings up the rare but significant risk of phones causing fires. Instances of phones overheating or catching fire have been reported, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to avoid potential hazards, such as keeping the phone at a safe distance.
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Preventive Measures: The article concludes with practical tips to prevent cell phones from disturbing sleep, such as keeping the phone at least 3 feet away, turning it off or using airplane mode before bedtime.
In summary, the information provided in the article underscores the need for individuals to be aware of the potential adverse effects of sleeping next to their phones. The recommendations are in line with existing knowledge about the impact of screen time and electronic device usage on sleep hygiene and overall health.
