California Doctor Urges People to Stop Sleeping Next to Phones, Citing Sleep Disruption and Potential Cancer Risk

Many of us scroll through our phones before bed or leave them on the bedside table. What seems like a harmless habit could actually affect your health. Dr. Myro Figura, an anesthesiologist based in Los Angeles, highlighted the risks in an October 2 Instagram post.

Can your phone really affect your health?
Dr. Figura warns against keeping your phone close to your head while sleeping. “If you sleep with your phone next to your head, you might want to stop. Your phone emits radiation even when not in use. It can disrupt sleep, cause headaches, and over time, may increase cancer risk,” he explains.

He clarifies that the type of radiation involved is non-ionizing, which unlike ionizing radiation from the sun or medical imaging, doesn’t damage cells or DNA. “Still, it’s enough for the WHO to classify it as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’—the same category as coffee and pickled vegetables,” says Dr. Figura.

How to reduce the risks
Radiation isn’t the only concern. “Phones have even started fires from overheating while charging near people as they sleep. That’s not smart,” he adds.

The solution is simple: keep your phone away from your bed. “Just put it on the other side of the room. You’ll sleep better and maybe live longer,” advises Dr. Figura.