Can Sleeping Next to Your Phone Increase Cancer Risk?
Kazi Nasir | Oct 07, 2025, 13:22 IST
Sleeping Next To Mobile
( Image credit : Freepik )
Phones are part of our daily life, and many of us sleep with them close by. This raises questions about whether phone radiation can increase cancer risk. Phones emit low-level electromagnetic radiation, and studies on its long-term effects show mixed results. While most research finds no clear link to cancer, some studies suggest minor cell changes with long exposure. Health experts recommend simple steps like keeping phones away from the bed, using airplane mode, or using headphones for calls.
Phones have become a part of our daily lives to the extent that it can even be said they are a part of our human body now. It can be said that almost all of us keep them next to our beds while we sleep. Scrolling through social media is the new norm of today's world, which is filled with FOMO or watching videos before dozing off. But have you ever wondered or been confused thinking can sleeping next to your phone can increase cancer risk? Becasue there is currently a growing concern that the radiation from phones might affect our health in ways we do not fully understand yet.
Understanding Phone Radiation
Mobile phones send and receive signals using a type of energy called electromagnetic radiation. Though this radiation is very low but constant and scientists call it non ionising radiation. Unlike X-rays it does not directly damage our DNA but some studies suggest that long term exposure especially close to the body might affect cells in the brain or other parts of the body. Researchers are still studying if this could increase the risk of cancer.
What Research Says
As of now most studies show no clear proof that sleeping next to your phone causes cancer but still some studies on animals have suggested small changes in cells after long term exposure to radiation. In humans results are mixed obviously and some research hints at a slight risk especially with heavy and long-term phone use while other studies find no risk at all. While some studies suggest a possible link or major health organisations like the FDA and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). state that the evidence does not show an association between cell phone use and health problems like cancer. Health experts say more research is needed.
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Even though the risk is not proven that there are simple ways to reduce exposure. Keeping your phone away from your bed like somewhere above the desk or on aeroplane mode while sleeping can help. And while listening to music or calling using a speaker or headphones instead of holding the phone near your head is another good habit. Small changes like these can make your sleep safer without changing your lifestyle.
Sleeping next to your phone might be convenient but it is not wise and to become a careful person one has to choose between those two. Science is still learning about the effects of long term phone radiation. Until there is a clear answer taking small steps to limit exposure is smart. Your sleep can stay peaceful and your body can stay safe while you enjoy the benefits of modern technology.
Understanding Phone Radiation
Radiation and Mobile
( Image credit : Freepik )
What Research Says
Academics on Radiations
( Image credit : Freepik )
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Mobile User
( Image credit : Freepik )
Sleeping next to your phone might be convenient but it is not wise and to become a careful person one has to choose between those two. Science is still learning about the effects of long term phone radiation. Until there is a clear answer taking small steps to limit exposure is smart. Your sleep can stay peaceful and your body can stay safe while you enjoy the benefits of modern technology.