A growing number of people, particularly young smartphone users, are falling asleep with their devices close by, often tucked under their pillows.
While the habit may seem harmless or even convenient, health and safety experts are warning that it could pose several risks.
Studies have shown that many individuals keep their phones within reach at night to avoid missing calls, messages, or notifications. However, placing a phone under a pillow or on the bed may have unintended consequences ranging from fire hazards to sleep disruption...To Read The Full Content; Tap Here Now .
Sleeping with your phone nearby can significantly affect sleep quality. Notifications, vibrations, and late-night scrolling can interrupt sleep cycles. Exposure to blue light from screens suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep, reduced sleep quality, and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and grogginess the next day
There have also been concerns about exposure to mobile phone radiation. However, organisations such as Cancer Research UK state that it is “very unlikely” that sleeping near a mobile phone increases cancer risk based on current evidence. Experts note that while research is ongoing, there is no strong scientific proof linking typical mobile phone use to cancer. Nonetheless, limiting close and prolonged exposure, especially during sleep, may still be a precautionary measure.
Beyond sleep disruption, some studies suggest that excessive phone exposure at night may affect overall wellbeing. Blue light can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to maintain a consistent sleep pattern. There are also claims linking prolonged phone radiation exposure to reproductive health issues, though more scientific evidence is needed to confirm these effects conclusively.
Health professionals recommend keeping phones at a safe distance from the bed, ideally several feet away, and avoiding screen use at least an hour before sleep. Switching devices to silent or “Do Not Disturb” mode can also help improve sleep quality. As smartphone use continues to rise globally, experts stress the importance of developing healthier nighttime habits to protect both sleep and overall wellbeing.