It’s no secret that our phones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to stay connected with friends and family, check the news and get work done. But many people don’t realize that sleeping with your phone under your pillow can be dangerous to your health.
Do people know about this? What are those dangers to our health? As you read this article, pay attention to the side effects of sleeping with a phone under the pillow.
A study published in the journal Sleep in 2015 found that exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bed can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
There are several reasons why people might choose to sleep with their phones under their pillows. Some people do it to be easily reached if someone calls or texts them. Others do it to check the time or their notifications without getting out of bed. Still, others do it because they find the phone screen’s light comforting.
However, there are also several reasons why sleeping with your phone under your pillow is not a good idea. For one, the light from the phone screen can interfere with sleep.
Studies have shown that exposure to blue light emitted from screens can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Additionally, your phone’s constant vibrations and notifications can keep you awake.
The potential health risks associated with this practice, including exposure to harmful radiation, disruption of sleep, and increased risk of accidents
Exposure to Harmful Radiation
Cell phones emit low-level radiofrequency (RF) radiation. While the amount of radiation emitted by cell phones is considered safe, some studies have found that exposure to RF radiation may be linked to an increased risk of cancer.
For example, a 2018 study by the National Toxicology Program found that exposure to RF radiation from cell phones could cause cancer in rats. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
The blue light emitted by screens, including smartphones, can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Using phones before bedtime, including while sleeping with them under pillows, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and potentially lead to poor sleep quality. This disruption can affect sleep duration and overall sleep patterns, potentially leading to sleep deprivation and related health issues.
Increased Risk of Accidents
Sleeping with a phone under a pillow can increase the risk of accidents, particularly if the phone is plugged in and charging. Overheating the phone due to prolonged use or charging can lead to fires or other safety hazards.
Additionally, having a phone under a pillow may increase the risk of accidentally activating alarms, notifications, or calls during sleep, disrupting restful sleep and leading to daytime sleepiness.
Impact on Mental Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that when you sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone. This can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, excessive mobile phone use can also harm your body and mind.
The link between sleep deprivation and weight gain is well-documented. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry. It also has less hormone lepton, making you feel full. This hormone imbalance can lead to weight gain.
A study published by the University of Tsukuba in Japan found that people who sleep with their phones on their pillows are more likely to be obese. The study’s authors believe that the blue light emitted from phones can interfere with sleep and disrupt melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
When people don’t get enough sleep, they may be more likely to eat unhealthy foods throughout the day to boost their energy levels.
Weight gain can have several negative consequences for our health. It can increase our risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It can also weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections.
Cancer Risk
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has conducted a study highlighting the association between cancer risk and cell phones. The study found that people who use cell phones for more than ten years may have an increased risk of developing cancer.
The University of California–Berkeley also conducted a study that found a correlation between heavy phone use and an increased risk of gliomas, a type of brain cancer. The study found that people who used their phones for more than four hours a day were more likely to develop gliomas than those who used their phones for less than one hour.
What can people do to reduce their exposure to these risks, such as keeping their phones Out of the bedroom at night?
Keep your phone out of the bedroom at night. This is the most critical thing you can do to protect your sleep and health. If you can’t bear to be without your phone at night, put it on airplane mode so it can’t emit blue light.
Use a blue light filter app. There are several apps available that can help reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your phone screen. These apps can be beneficial if you need to use your phone at night.
People choose to sleep with their phones under the pillow for many reasons, but it is never a good idea because there are many associated risks, as proven by multiple studies.
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