You are not alone if you find yourself texting or scrolling on your phone in bed. Many people sleep with their phones beside them. Whether it’s that update first thing in the morning, social media right before sleeping, or anything in between, checking your phone in bed can affect how much sleep you get and how restful it is.
Getting good sleep is critical for both mental and physical health, and your phone can make that harder. Tempting as it may be to check in or hop online—to be available for those important emails, texts, or calls—there are many reasons to be careful about smartphone use.
Might cause cancer
Acceptable SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values of phone radiation being decided by engineers are where this controversy starts. Though no conclusive scientific evidence of cell phones causing cancer has yet been proved, there are a number of researchers that spoke otherwise, prompting the WHO to issue a discretionary disclaimer to keep cell phones away from kids.
Phones May Pose a Fire or Burn Risk
Though very rare, only arising in isolated incidents, there is the risk of your phone’s battery catching on fire.
A phone explosion or fire in bed has the potential to cause significant harm. A recent review article noted that overheated or burning batteries have been linked with several cases of second-degree burns. This type causes:
- Pain
- Blistering
- Fluid discharges
- Swelling
- Sloughing, or the loss of the upper layers of skin
Reproductive malfunctions
Pregnant mothers run the risk of unknown genetic mutations in the embryo due to Electromagnetic radiation. In males, it can cause reduced sperm count & quality.
Phones interrupt sleep
It’s not just the glow of the screen that interrupts sleep. Consider how you interact with your device. Phones are a boundless source of information and stimulation, which can provoke a state of arousal and alertness. This can make it harder to fall and stay asleep.
Not only that, the interactive nature of smartphones or devices—that they require active controlling—seems to make matters worse. Some studies suggest nighttime phone usage, as well as other interactive devices like video games, have a more pronounced effect on sleep than more passive nighttime screen activities, such as watching TV.
Increases brain activities
Scientific research has shown that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation can damage the Blood-brain barrier, causing albumin leakage in the brain. Even the brain’s blood glucose activity is accelerated by the phone’s wireless waves.
