The last time we looked at a physical condition that interrupts sleep: sleep apnea. And, we explored that insufficient sleep can encourage more menacing woes like pain, diabetes, dementia, premature aging, cancer, and heart disease. However, did you know that external culprits (besides noise and light) might also disturb slumber? Let’s examine a probable player.
Cell phones are a fascinating invention. Actually, how many individuals removed from the technological world could have imagined 40 years ago or so they would one day have the ability to travel almost anywhere and have a cordless conversation using a pocket-size telephone? And, to add to this futuristic prospect, how many would have thought they could access virtually every news outlet from that smart device? Gosh, when you to stop to think about, this hi-tech gadget is amazing!
Yet, negatives sometimes accompany positives. For example, mobile phones have been the focus of various studies because they emit electromagnetic radiation. Regrettably, the body absorbs some of the waves, albeit in very small measures.
Cell phones are certainly not the only wireless units under scrutiny, but they are prime subjects. In addition to potentially messing with sleep, other harms might be possible, as well.
What can we do?
Undoubtedly, most of us are not yet ready to chuck our coveted contraptions. Yet, we can take steps to minimize the hazards.
Here are some thoughts.
- Keep cell phones and other wireless devices away from the bedroom when you retire for the evening. This includes iPods, Nooks, Kindles, computers, etc.
- If the above suggestion is unlikely to occur, then never put a cell phone under your pillow. Not only does this behavior have the potential to more effectively disrupt sleep, experts assert it might even have a harmful influence on the brain.
- If your cell phone is your alarm clock and it’s going to be in the room with you no matter what, then put the device in airplane mode. This usually stops the transmission function.
- Okay, this has little to do with sleep, but it touches upon safety, so it warrants mentioning. Use headphones, a Bluetooth connector, or speaker mode during conversations on your cell (better still, text!). To be frank, do your best to keep the handset away from your head.
Wireless technology is incredible, innovative, and downright convenient. Nevertheless, inadequate sleep is serious business, and defeating the problem requires serious measures.
