How Bad Is It Really to Sleep With Your Phone Next to Your Bed?

Sleeping with a mobile device, such as a phone, is a common habit for both teenagers and adults. According to a survey by Common Sense Media, 29% of teenagers sleep with their phone, while 68% have it within reach. Among parents, 74% have a device within reach, but only 12% sleep with it. Research shows that this trend is not just limited to the younger generation, as 70% of participants in a study of 855 hospital employees and university students aged 44 used electronic social media in bed, with 15% spending over an hour on it.

However, sleeping with a phone is not recommended as it can negatively impact sleep quality. Dr. Alicia Roth, PhD of Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center says, “Getting into bed and using your phone may prevent you from falling asleep and having good sleep quality." A 2020 study showed that reducing phone use before bed improved sleep quality and duration. Another study indicated that people who used their smartphones before bed were more likely to have poor sleep.

Using a phone before bed is like playing a slot machine, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. The blue light from the phone suppresses melatonin, reducing sleep quality and causing disruptions during the night. Notifications and notifications can easily wake someone up, even if they are in light sleep. The phone can also be tempting to check if one is struggling to fall asleep, leading to a vicious cycle of poor sleep.

Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cell phones can also be a concern. While non-ionizing EMFs are generally perceived as safe, studies have linked cell phone use to an increased risk of brain or spinal cord tumors and immune suppression in rats.

In conclusion, sleeping with a phone can be harmful to health and sleep quality. The blue light from the phone suppresses melatonin, leading to poor sleep quality and disruptions during the night. The temptation to check notifications and use social media can also lead to a vicious cycle of poor sleep. Additionally, constant exposure to EMFs from cell phones may pose other health risks.

References:

Mayer, B. A. (2023, February 7). Is It Bad to Sleep With Your Phone Next to Your Bed? Parade. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://parade.com/health/sleeping-with-phone-next-to-bed