Checking the phone before sleep and as soon as we wake is now a habit for many; some keep it by the pillow, some leave it charging overnight. A report by Ittefaq Digital says the real risks of this habit lie in sleep quality and in safety while charging.
Despite concerns about radiation, there is no evidence that simply keeping a phone by the bed causes cancer. Phones emit radiofrequency energy, a form of non-ionising radiation that, unlike X-rays, lacks the energy to damage DNA directly. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as 'possibly carcinogenic' (Group 2B), but that does not mean phones have been shown to cause cancer, and later studies have found no confirmed causal link between phone use and brain tumours.
The harm to sleep is clearer. Blue light from screens can disturb the body clock, or circadian rhythm, and reduce the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Scrolling social media or watching videos keeps the brain alert. Calls, messages and vibrations that repeatedly break sleep lead to daytime fatigue, irritability and poor concentration.
The report's advice: stop using the phone at least 30 to 60 minutes before sleep, turn on 'Do Not Disturb' or silent mode, allow calls from chosen contacts for emergencies, and keep the phone a little away from the pillow. Night mode reduces blue light somewhat but does not remove the effect of long use.
The most immediate risk is while charging. Charging under a pillow, blanket or mattress traps heat, so the phone can overheat and start a fire, a risk made worse by damaged batteries or faulty chargers and cables. Phones should be charged on a hard, flat surface away from flammable material, using the charger the manufacturer recommends.
Reporting: Ittefaq Digital
Source: Ittefaq
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