Sleeping with your phone beside you is widely discouraged due to serious health, safety and psychological concerns.
From disrupted sleep cycles to potential overheating hazards, experts agree that keeping mobile devices close to your head at night poses avoidable risks.
While long-term radiation effects remain scientifically inconclusive, the immediate and well-established impact on sleep quality makes it wiser to place your phone at a safe distance before bedtime.
Below are six key health impacts of sleeping next to your phone:
1. Sleep disruption
Mobile phones can ring, beep or vibrate unexpectedly, interrupting rest even when notifications are minimal. Beyond that, many people suffer from FOMO – the fear of missing out – which creates a psychological urge to check their phones long after deciding to sleep. This constant anticipation keeps the brain alert, trapping users in the light Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage instead of progressing into deeper, restorative sleep.
2. Increased brain activity
Scientific studies indicate that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation may compromise the blood-brain barrier, leading to albumin leakage in brain tissues. Additionally, wireless signals can stimulate increased brain glucose metabolism, meaning the brain becomes more active at a time when it should be resting and repairing.
3. Possible cancer risk
Controversy persists around the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which measures how much radiation the body absorbs from phones. While no conclusive scientific evidence has proven that mobile phones directly cause cancer, some researchers have suggested potential links. These concerns prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a precautionary advisory, especially urging parents to limit children’s exposure to mobile devices.
4. Cognitive and behavioral effects
A 2009 study found that exposure to radiofrequency radiation is associated with slower response times during spatial working-memory tasks. Other findings show behavioural changes that mimic symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including reduced attention span, hyperactivity and poor impulse control.
5. Reproductive malfunctions
Electromagnetic radiation poses potential risks to reproductive health. For pregnant women, there are concerns about unknown genetic mutations affecting developing embryos. Among men, studies have linked prolonged exposure to reduced sperm count, lower sperm quality and possible fertility issues.
6. Fire and overheating hazards
While it may not set the bed “literally” on fire, there have been multiple instances of flagship phones overheating or exploding while charging. Sleeping with the device close to the body increases the risk of burns or catching fire during malfunction. To reduce this danger, experts strongly advise keeping phones off the bed and away from direct physical contact during sleep.
Overall, the safest practice is to place your phone on a table or shelf away from your bed, switch it to silent mode, or activate “Do Not Disturb” features.
Prioritising your health and sleep quality begins with creating a phone-free sleeping environment.
