For many of us, checking our phones is the last thing we do at night and the first thing we pick up in the morning. There are many reasons we do not let our phones out of sight, from texting into the night to not wanting to miss a call or an update, and for some, it has become their closest companion.
But is it safe to keep phones next to our heads while we sleep? The answer is no.
The closer your phone is to you, the higher its chances of harming you, health-wise.
Having your phone by your head or pillow exposes you to radiofrequency energy. Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy ( a form of radiation) when they communicate with network towers. Small amounts of radiation are harmless.
However, it can cause headaches and trouble sleeping if you consistently keep your phone to your head while sleeping.
Some studies, although not conclusive, have linked phone radiation to cancer and some infertility issues over time.
If you usually keep your cell phone besides, under your pillow, or even on your nightstand, you would benefit from putting it away farther away, as the closer it is, the higher your health risks.
But you might ask, how far away from me must it be?
Your cell phone should be at least three (3) feet away while you sleep to reduce exposure to this harmful radiation.
Although cell phones emit less radiofrequency radiation at night, it is still not a hundred per cent safe. If you must keep your device close to you for alarm purposes, turn on the aeroplane mode to prevent it from sending and receiving signals from communication masts.
Also, if you sleep with your cell phone next to you, you might roll over it, which can cause its battery to heat up and even damage it. Some persons stash it under their pillow, which can cause it to explode because of a lack of airflow.
There’s also the part where it might cause insomnia. Cell phones emit blue light that sends false signals to the brain that it’s still daytime. This blue light affects the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, leading to restless nights, poor vision, and headaches.
If you’re prepped for sleep and won’t be needing the phone anymore, you can simply turn it off or put it on airplane mode to avoid interruptions to your sleep and give your body the rest that it deserves.