Experts have raised concerns about the impact of using technology in bed, and their findings might give you pause. A survey conducted by MattressNextDay explored adults’ bedtime habits, focusing on smartphones and smartwatches. It revealed that 50 million Brits admitted to sleeping with their phones, with 74 percent of respondents in a YouGov study unable to leave their devices out of the bedroom.
The blue light emitted by phones confuses the brain, making you feel awake and alert, which disrupts sleep. There are also hygiene concerns, as the average person touches their phone over 2,600 times a day, making it a breeding ground for bacteria.
A University of Arizona study found that smartphone buttons can contain ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Additionally, the MattressNextDay study showed that 51 percent of people never clean their phones, contributing to bacterial buildup.
Smartphones and smartwatches carry high levels of bacteria, with phones being worse. Once considered the dirtiest household item, the TV remote has now been surpassed by phones. The most common bacteria found on tech devices is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause problems for those with weakened immune systems, including skin irritation or sleep disruptions for people who keep phones nearby at night.
One particularly unsettling discovery is that this bacteria is also found in cockroach droppings, meaning our phones might be carrying the equivalent of cockroach feces. This means we could be exposing our faces and hands to this bacteria when using our devices.
To reduce risk, you could leave your phone in another room while you sleep. If that’s not an option, it’s essential to regularly clean your phone with a UV sanitizer or alcohol wipes. If you keep your phone under your pillow, be sure to wash your pillowcase twice a week.
Limit phone contact with your face and reduce phone use before bedtime. Keeping your phone out of the warm environment of your bed can also help prevent bacterial growth.
Martin Sealey, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, advised: “Your bed should be a sanctuary for rest, not a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.”