Modern people rarely part with their smartphones, even when they sleep. They put it under their pillow, use it as an alarm clock or leave it on the bedside table next to their head. But how safe is such a neighbourhood? The dean of the Faculty of Physics at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv has identified three main risks.
Problems with deep sleep
Even in standby mode, the phone is constantly exchanging data, receiving messages and updating apps. Although the electromagnetic waves it generates are weak, they can disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for deep and restorative sleep. Because of this, sleep becomes shallow and less effective.
Effects on the skin
Dermatologists call this effect “digital ageing”. Blue light (HEV radiation) penetrates deep into the skin, causes oxidative stress and breaks down collagen and elastin. This can cause dryness, hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. If the phone lies close to the face, such as on a pillow, the damage is amplified.
Effects on the brain
The brain is a sensitive electromagnetic system. Placing a smartphone close to the head changes the activity of the cortex: the delta waves of deep sleep change to faster alpha or theta rhythms, which impairs the resting of the nervous system. This can lead to fatigue, irritability and reduced concentration.
Smartphone radiation is non-ionising, does not damage DNA and hardly heats tissues. However, its effects on the body are not fully understood. Scientists advise to observe “digital hygiene”:
- Safe distance: keep the phone 50-70 cm from the head, then the radiation is reduced to a minimum.
- Minimal mode: if the device is nearby, switch on airplane or “do not disturb” mode to minimise electromagnetic radiation.