California Doctor Warns Against Sleeping Next To Your Phone

Many people keep their phones on the bedside table or use them before sleeping, unaware of potential health implications.

Dr Myro Figura posted on Instagram on October 2, warning that sleeping with a phone close to your head could disrupt sleep patterns, cause headaches, and, over time, may increase the risk of cancer.

He emphasised, “Your phone gives off radiation even when you’re not using it. This exposure can interfere with sleep quality and affect your overall health.”

Dr Figura clarified the type of radiation phones emit: non-ionising radiation. Unlike ionising radiation from sources such as the sun or medical imaging, non-ionising radiation does not directly damage DNA or cells.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies it as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’, placing it in the same category as coffee and pickled vegetables.

“This is why it’s worth being cautious about prolonged exposure, especially while sleeping,” Dr Figura added.

Additional Safety Concerns

Beyond radiation, mobile phones can present physical risks. Dr Figura pointed out instances where phones have overheated while charging, causing fires near sleeping individuals.

“Overheating is a real danger, and combining that with sleeping close to your phone is not advisable,” he said.

The solution, according to Dr Figura, is straightforward: keep your phone away from your bed. He recommends placing it across the room or on a distant surface.

“By keeping your phone at a distance, you can sleep better, reduce health risks, and possibly even live longer,” he advised.

This advice aligns with broader sleep hygiene recommendations, which encourage minimising electronic device usage before bed. Removing phones from the bedside helps limit exposure to disruptive blue light, radiation, and potential physical hazards, creating a safer sleep environment.

Dr Figura’s warnings serve as a reminder of how everyday habits, like phone placement at night, can subtly impact long-term health and well-being.

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