5 Reasons To Kick Your Phone Out Of Bed

David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Smartphones have become our sole source of communication, our daily weather updates, the way we unwind with games, and even our cuddle buddies at night. This is mainly focused on the younger generation though, as the only generation that seems to have got it right is the older generation, by only using their phones for making phone calls. I know that not all the older generation just use their phones for taking calls, but some do. There are even these cell phones for older adults, which can make things a lot easier for them. Going back to what I first started talking about though. I know many of you can’t think of another way but to have your phone next to your head at night. However, this is something I’ve never done and refuse to do. I have to set boundaries or else I’d go insane…checking and rechecking emails, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Since getting a Blackberry for work about seven years ago, I’ve always kept all of my phones in the living room, nice and far out of reach. Being connected 24/7 is not only a distraction but it’s also not good for your health. Sleeping is supposed to be peaceful and sacred. Just ask Arianna Huffington — she worships sleep and thinks you should “Sleep Your Way to the Top” — and you should too! 🙂

Anyway, here is a list of why you should dump your phone and snuggle your pillow (or your honey) instead!

1. Lights. When my Blackberry blinks red, my eyes open right up. This isn’t just your inner-email intuition, as I once believed. Artificial lights will disrupt your body’s natural rhythm and acts as a stimulant that will keep you awake longer. The sense of urgency would cause me to pop out of bed and deal with whatever issue is at hand, right then. No good for sleep or my nerves. (more here)

2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Whenever my phone is near, I always feel this sense of anxiety. What emails am I getting, what if work needs me, what about that text I forgot to answer, etc. It’s this constant wondering of what is going on in cyberspace- not very good for the ZZZ’s.

3. Relationship Tension. The bedroom is supposed to be for relaxing and a cell phone just adds tension for everyone. Especially if you are ignoring your significant other by checking email or playing one last round of Candy Crush!

4. Health Dangers. Cell phones pump out electromagnetic radiation when they are on. If you keep your phone next to you all night, you are exposed to this for hours. This radiation is linked to cancer and is also known for keeping you awake longer. There isn’t any definitive evidence that your cell phone is killing you — but why chance it? (for more see here)

5. Be Kind to Yourself: Sleep is a powerful tool for success and a wonderful way to be more pleasant. Think about it — if you get more sleep, you feel better, you can connect with people more easily and you want to do more. It’s a tiny gift that you give yourself each and every night. Allow yourself some good old, uninterrupted sleep. The night is for sleep, and as busy bee’s we deserve to get in a solid good eight hours every day!

Now it’s time to kick your phone out of your bed! Test it out and see how it works for you. Happy sleeping 🙂