Keeping Your Smartphone in the Bedroom – How Bad Is It?

Smartphone addiction is at an all-time high and constantly increasing. It’s become hard to put them down, even at bedtime. However, sleeping with the phone close to you, even if it’s out of your bed can have a big impact on your overall health and productivity.

Health Concerns – Radiation

Cell phones emit a form of electromagnetic radiation, which tissues close to the source can absorb. Even though there still isn’t any solid evidence that this exposure can increase chances of cancer, experts still advise against prolonged smartphone use. Furthermore, scientists noticed adverse health effects associated with continued use, such as changes in brain activity. sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.

Sleep Diversions

The Internet and smartphones prevent our brain from going into a “sleep” mode. Instead of winding down, the brain’s electrical activity increases and neurons start to go off. Blue light decreases the production of melatonin. Because of this, using your phone minutes before going to sleep can contribute to sleep deprivation. Ideally, you should set aside half an hour without any technology interfering before your bedtime.

Sanity

Checking your social media can quickly become a habit. You can’t go to sleep without scrolling through all the latest posts. Picking up a book instead of your phone will give you a healthy alternative. Keeping your phone next to your bed will make you constantly exposed to messages/notifications. Banning your smartphone from the bedroom completely can help with time management and make you fill up your pre-sleep routine with healthy habits.

Backed Up by Research

A study published in 2018 showed how restricted smartphone use in the bedroom has a significant effect on a person’s happiness and well-being. It has been noticed that risk of smartphone addiction is significantly reduced with the phone outside of the bedroom. After the study, more than 93.6% of participants said that they would consider not sleeping with their phone ever again.

Relationship Effect

Another study conducted in 2018 aimed to show how big of an impact taking cell phones to bed has on romantic relationships. Bedroom phone habits of 2,000 U.S. adults living with their partner have been investigated. Phone use in bed has been ranked number one, staying far ahead of any romantic activities. More than half of the participants said that they feel like they’re missing out on quality time with their loved one. Even though they’re meant to help us socialize, cell phones have had a completely contrary effect so far.

Benefits

You’ll notice how mornings don’t have to be agony-filled disasters. Taking a breath of fresh air or having a quick chat with your loved one is a lot better than instantly checking your messages. Your internal clock will normalize, maybe even removing the need for alarms. With the added benefit of undisturbed sleep, you’ll feel more rested and energized. Realizing that it’s okay to be offline can provide a whole new level of freedom.

Technology has its place, but it’s not in the bedroom. Make that your sacred place where you can truly rest from any and all distractions of daily life. Your body will thank you.