A significant caution has been issued to mobile phone users about the unnoticed risks they might be encountering. This warning comes as the search interest in “how to manage phone addiction” has surged by 5000% in the last 30 days.
Research indicates that a quarter of the global population suffers from “smartphone addiction,” with many individuals admitting to carrying their phones everywhere, including work, school, bathrooms, and even bedrooms. A report reveals that over 70% of people sleep with their phones nearby, showcasing a significant reliance that poses concealed dangers.
Considering this, Martin Seeley, a seasoned sleep expert and the founder of MattressNextDay, has disclosed the overlooked health hazards of keeping your phone close while sleeping. Discussions with Dr. Hana Patel have also taken place to investigate the alleged link between phones and cancer.
Many individuals have the habit of keeping their phones under pillows, on mattresses, or on bedside tables during sleep, sparking debates on the potential cancer risks from radiation exposure.
Experts from MattressNextDay consulted Dr. Hana Patel regarding the cancer-causing potential of phones. Dr. Patel, an NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, clarifies that cell phones emit radiation in the non-ionising spectrum, which is deemed too low in energy to harm DNA. Various population studies exploring the connection between cell phone usage and tumor risks have yielded mixed results, ultimately failing to establish a definitive association.
It is widely acknowledged that excessive smartphone usage negatively impacts sleep quality, and the practice of bringing phones into the bedroom exacerbates this issue. Sleeping with a phone can lead to sleep disturbances due to notifications and vibrations causing unnoticed micro-arousals. These brief episodes of wake-like brain activity during sleep, known as micro-arousals, disrupt the sleep cycle.
Fragmented sleep resulting from phone usage can hinder overall sleep quality, impeding the achievement of restorative deep sleep and REM stages. The consequences of disrupted sleep often manifest as morning grogginess, even after a full night’s rest, indicating poor sleep quality.
Exposure to blue light emitted by phones can suppress melatonin production, the hormone responsible for signaling the body to sleep. This disruption can lead to a delayed circadian rhythm, causing the body to remain alert when it should be preparing for sleep.
Martin Seeley, a Senior sleep expert and MattressNextDay founder, recommends reducing screen time before bed to aid melatonin production. Engaging in screen-free activities like reading before bedtime can alleviate stress, enhance sleep quality, alleviate insomnia, and extend sleep duration.
Studies suggest that individuals who frequently use smartphones at night are more prone to experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Sleep disruptions caused by blue light exposure and notifications can further impact mental health, leading to emotional regulation challenges and increased emotional reactivity.
Moreover, keeping phones under pillows or in beds can pose risks of overheating, damage, and fire hazards. A considerable proportion of individuals charge their phones in bedrooms, with some even placing them under pillows, highlighting the potential dangers associated with improper phone charging practices.
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