🔌 Why Sleeping Next to a Charging iPhone Could Put Your Health and Safety at Risk

July 30, 2025 — Many people place their smartphones beside them at night, often charging them under their pillows or near their beds. But according to technology safety advocates and scientific research, this seemingly harmless habit could carry serious risks.

From thermal hazards to potential health effects, experts are urging the public to reconsider where they leave their phones while charging—especially during sleep.

🌡️ Thermal Buildup: A Fire Risk Hiding Under the Pillow

One of the most immediate concerns is thermal buildup. When a smartphone charges, especially overnight, it generates heat. If placed under pillows, blankets, or in confined spaces, the heat cannot dissipate properly. This can raise the temperature of the device significantly and stress the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. In rare but documented cases, this has even led to fires or device malfunction.

“Phones should never be covered while charging,” says Dr. Elaine Nguyen, a materials scientist specializing in consumer electronics. “The insulation traps heat, which can stress the battery and lead to dangerous outcomes.”

📡 Electromagnetic Fields and Sleep Disruption

Another, less visible, concern is electromagnetic exposure. Actively charging devices emit low-level electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While the levels are far below those considered dangerous by regulatory standards, studies suggest that prolonged close-range exposure—such as sleeping with your head next to a charging phone—may interfere with melatonin production and disrupt circadian rhythms.

“Your body’s biological clock is sensitive to EMFs, even at low levels,” notes Dr. Sandra Vega, a neurologist focused on sleep disorders. “Long-term exposure can reduce sleep quality and throw off hormonal balance.”

🔋 Battery Degradation and Device Lifespan

Even if health risks seem remote, sleeping beside a charging phone could be reducing the life of your device. High temperatures—caused by poor airflow during charging—can accelerate chemical reactions inside the battery. This not only reduces battery capacity over time but also shortens the overall cycle life of the device.

“The average consumer might not notice immediately,” says Dr. Nguyen, “but over months and years, the damage adds up.”

✅ Safety Guidelines: What You Should Do

Technology safety experts recommend the following precautions:

• Always charge your phone on a hard, flat, and heat-resistant surface such as a desk or nightstand.

• Keep your phone at least 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) away from your body while charging.

• Avoid placing charging phones under pillows or bedcovers, no matter how convenient it may seem.

🧠 Rethinking Nighttime Phone Habits

This growing body of research highlights the importance of rethinking how we interact with technology while we sleep. Beyond just potential safety hazards, even passive habits—like placing a charging phone beside your head—can have cumulative effects on health, rest, and device longevity.

While smartphones have become essential tools in daily life, experts stress the value of using them with care, especially in the most vulnerable hours of the night.