Where should you put your phone when you sleep?

The Silent Night Companion: Where Not to Put Your Phone When You Sleep

We’ve become inextricably linked to our phones. They’re our alarm clocks, our news sources, our connection to the world. But what happens when we power down for the night? Should our digital lifeline be tucked under our pillow, nestled on our nightstand, or banished to another room entirely?

While the science is still evolving and personal sensitivity varies, experts generally agree on one thing: keeping your phone at a safe distance while you sleep is a wise practice. The culprit? Radiofrequency radiation (RFR).

Let’s be clear: we’re surrounded by RFR. It’s emitted by radios, televisions, and, of course, our smartphones. The concern lies in prolonged exposure, especially when we’re in a vulnerable state like sleep. During this time, our bodies are focused on repair and restoration, and minimizing potential disruptions can contribute to a more restful and ultimately healthier night.

So, where should you not put your phone? Avoid keeping it:

• Under your pillow: This is perhaps the worst offender. It places the phone in direct and prolonged contact with your head, maximizing RFR exposure.
• Right next to your bed: A nightstand within arm’s reach might seem convenient, but even a few inches isn’t enough.
• Charging beside your head: The charging process can sometimes increase the RFR output of the phone.

The general recommendation is to keep your phone at least three feet away from your body while sleeping. This distance significantly reduces your exposure to RFR, allowing your body to recover undisturbed.

Practical Alternatives for a Phone-Free Sleep Environment:

• Charge your phone in another room: The kitchen, living room, or even the bathroom are all viable options.
• Use a traditional alarm clock: This frees you from relying on your phone for waking up.
• Designate a “tech zone” in your bedroom: Choose a spot, like a shelf or dresser, at least three feet from your bed where all electronic devices reside.
• Enable Airplane Mode: While not a complete solution, switching on Airplane Mode significantly reduces RFR emissions from your phone. You can even schedule it to turn on and off automatically in your phone’s settings.

Ultimately, the decision of where to place your phone while sleeping is a personal one. However, understanding the potential impact of prolonged RFR exposure and taking simple precautions can lead to a more peaceful and restorative night’s sleep. By creating a phone-free sleep environment, you’re prioritizing your well-being and taking a small but significant step towards a healthier, more restful life.