Stop Doing This With Your Phone Before Bed, Warn Scientists – It's Urgent!
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In the digital age, our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, keeping us connected to the world 24/7. But while these devices offer convenience and entertainment, they also come with hidden risks, especially when we bring them into our most intimate spaces – our bedrooms. Scientists have issued an urgent warning about the dangers of using your phone in bed, and it's not just about disrupting your sleep pattern.
The research, sponsored by MattressNextDay, has uncovered unsettling findings about the cleanliness of our phones. It turns out that these devices we hold so close to our faces are not just personal gadgets but breeding grounds for bacteria, some of which are found in the most unsanitary places, including cockroach droppings.
The study revealed that smartphones could harbor large amounts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria commonly associated with cockroach feces. This pathogen thrives in warm, humid environments – exactly like your bed. With the average person touching their phone over 2,600 times a day, the potential for germ transfer is significant.
Previous studies have shown that the surfaces of smartphones can contain up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Researchers swabbed ten smartphones and ten smartwatches to see what kinds of bacteria were present. The results were alarming: smartphones were found to be the dirtiest piece of tech, even dirtier than TV remotes, which are known germ hotspots.
The implications of these findings are particularly concerning for the 74% of adults who sleep with their phones by their head or under their pillow, as reported by a survey conducted by MattressNextDay. This habit could expose individuals to harmful bacteria that can cause a range of health issues, from skin rashes and eye infections to more severe conditions like pneumonia and sepsis, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
The study also highlighted the resilience of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its resistance to antibiotics, making any resulting infections difficult to treat. This is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining good hygiene, not just personally but also with the devices we use daily.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to mitigate these risks. Regularly cleaning your phone with alcohol wipes or using a UV sanitizer can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. Paying particular attention to the parts of your phone that come into contact with your face, such as the screen and the edges, is crucial.
Innovative solutions like the 'toilet paper for smartphones' introduced at Narita International Airport in Japan, where sanitary wipes are provided to clean your phone after using the bathroom, demonstrate the growing awareness of this issue.
Despite the ease of disinfecting our devices, the survey found that over half of the people have never cleaned their smartphones. This is a habit that needs to change. Limiting phone use before bed, keeping it away from your face, and not taking it to bed can also help reduce exposure to harmful bacteria.
As Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, advises, your bed should be a sanctuary for rest, not a petri dish for bacteria. By adopting these hygiene practices, we can protect ourselves from the unseen dangers lurking on our phones and ensure that our bedrooms remain a safe haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's take these warnings seriously. It's time to rethink our bedtime routines and give our phones a good clean. After all, a healthy lifestyle isn't just about what we eat or how much we exercise – it's also about keeping our environment, including our beloved gadgets, germ-free. Have you cleaned your phone today? Share your thoughts and any tips you have for keeping your tech clean in the comments below!
The research, sponsored by MattressNextDay, has uncovered unsettling findings about the cleanliness of our phones. It turns out that these devices we hold so close to our faces are not just personal gadgets but breeding grounds for bacteria, some of which are found in the most unsanitary places, including cockroach droppings.
Scientists have warned about using your phones in bed. Credit: Unsplash
The study revealed that smartphones could harbor large amounts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria commonly associated with cockroach feces. This pathogen thrives in warm, humid environments – exactly like your bed. With the average person touching their phone over 2,600 times a day, the potential for germ transfer is significant.
Previous studies have shown that the surfaces of smartphones can contain up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Researchers swabbed ten smartphones and ten smartwatches to see what kinds of bacteria were present. The results were alarming: smartphones were found to be the dirtiest piece of tech, even dirtier than TV remotes, which are known germ hotspots.
The implications of these findings are particularly concerning for the 74% of adults who sleep with their phones by their head or under their pillow, as reported by a survey conducted by MattressNextDay. This habit could expose individuals to harmful bacteria that can cause a range of health issues, from skin rashes and eye infections to more severe conditions like pneumonia and sepsis, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
The study also highlighted the resilience of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its resistance to antibiotics, making any resulting infections difficult to treat. This is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining good hygiene, not just personally but also with the devices we use daily.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to mitigate these risks. Regularly cleaning your phone with alcohol wipes or using a UV sanitizer can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. Paying particular attention to the parts of your phone that come into contact with your face, such as the screen and the edges, is crucial.
Innovative solutions like the 'toilet paper for smartphones' introduced at Narita International Airport in Japan, where sanitary wipes are provided to clean your phone after using the bathroom, demonstrate the growing awareness of this issue.
Despite the ease of disinfecting our devices, the survey found that over half of the people have never cleaned their smartphones. This is a habit that needs to change. Limiting phone use before bed, keeping it away from your face, and not taking it to bed can also help reduce exposure to harmful bacteria.
As Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, advises, your bed should be a sanctuary for rest, not a petri dish for bacteria. By adopting these hygiene practices, we can protect ourselves from the unseen dangers lurking on our phones and ensure that our bedrooms remain a safe haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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