Sleeping Near Phone Risk: Nowadays smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. The situation is that we watch the screen till just before sleeping and then we sleep keeping it near our head or under the pillow. If you also do this, then stop. According to scientists and health experts, this seemingly small habit can prove to be extremely dangerous for your physical and mental health.

danger of mobile radiation

Smartphones use electromagnetic waves to communicate. When you hold the phone too close to your head, your brain is constantly exposed to radiation. If this happens for a long time, it can cause headache, muscle pain and according to some research, it can also increase the risk of brain tumor.

Melatonin hormone and sleep disturbances

Blue light emitted from smartphone screens stops our body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin. This hormone helps us in getting deep sleep. When you keep the phone nearby, its light or frequent notifications keep your mind alert due to which you are not able to get deep sleep.

Symbolic photo (Ms. Freepik)

Risk of fire and explosion

Keeping the phone under the pillow is also dangerous from security point of view. The phone heats up while charging or during heavy use. Air circulation cannot occur under the pillow or mattress, due to which the phone may overheat and explode or catch fire. Many such incidents have come to light where people got burnt due to phones kept at their bedside.

Mental stress and anxiety

When the phone is near the head, there is an unconscious fear in the mind that some important message or call may be missed. This is called hypervigilance. This condition does not allow your mind to be completely calm due to which you feel tired and stressed when you wake up in the morning.

Cancer and other serious diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified mobile radiation as a potential carcinogen (cancer causing factor). Although further research is still going on, experts believe that keeping an active mobile phone near body parts for a long time can damage the cells.

What to do

• While sleeping, keep the phone at least 3 to 5 feet away or in another room.


• If the phone is necessary for alarm, then put it on airplane mode so that radiation can be reduced.


• Stop using mobile at least 1 hour before sleeping.


• Make a habit of reading physical books instead of digital screens for sleep.

Disclaimer: The suggestions given in this article are for general information only. Obnews does not confirm any kind of claim.