Mobile phone has become an indispensable accessory in people's daily life. Many users even take it to sleep at night. This action can create symptoms of hypervigilance for you, because by keeping your phone on at night, your subconscious mind tells itself that you are ready to answer a call, email or SMS.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) has unveiled a concerning trend - approximately 80% of individuals keep their mobile phones by their side during the night. To put it simply, 8 out of 10 people slumber with their cell phones within arm's reach, and a significant portion of this demographic comprises teenagers. Whether it's for staying connected to social media, checking emails, or serving as an alarm clock, the overuse of mobile phones at night poses notable health risks.
According to experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), many sleep-related issues can be directly attributed to the usage of mobile phones prior to bedtime. Mobile phones can trigger insomnia and, in many cases, result in restless nights and morning headaches - all attributable to this detrimental habit. Some individuals even report feelings of dizziness and nausea after late-night phone use.
Here are five compelling reasons why sleeping beside your mobile phone should be avoided:
1. Disruptive Blue Light:
The blue light emitted by mobile phones can significantly disrupt your sleep. This light stimulates the body, leading to an increased heart rate and decreased melatonin production, the hormone crucial for sleep.
2. Health Implications:
Sleeping close to your mobile phone exposes you to radiofrequency waves, which can have adverse health effects. Prolonged exposure to smartphone emissions raises the risk of cancer and tumors, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.
3. Mental Restraint:
Even if messages don't flood your phone throughout the night, having it within reach can tempt you to browse the internet, hampering your mental relaxation. It's best to turn it off to free your mind.
4. Interrupted Deep Sleep:
One significant reason to keep your phone away at night is the sudden jarring sound of a message or call, capable of rousing you from your slumber and disrupting your deep sleep.
5. Increased Stress:
A study involving researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid has established a connection between excessive mobile phone use and higher levels of anxiety and depression, along with increased social isolation and stress.
In conclusion, there are clear risks associated with the habit of using your phone in bed. To mitigate these risks, it is strongly recommended to keep your device at a distance of 2-3 meters from your bed, or ideally in another room. Breaking the habit of sleeping with your mobile phone can help you avoid the potential dangers associated with it.