It’s no secret that being constantly connected to our digital devices isn’t necessarily healthy. When even outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook expresses concerns about the issue, you know it’s worth taking seriously. Those who share his concerns could take several steps to reduce screen time. In addition to trying gadgets that can theoretically help reduce smartphone addiction, some users might decide that one of the best daily habits they can adopt is turning off their phone at night before going to sleep. Although their intentions may be good, it can be argued that this measure is not necessary.
Should you turn off your phone before going to bed? Probably not. The benefits of doing this do not outweigh the potential risks to the device and, in some cases, to your own safety. Luckily, you can absolutely stop the phone from keeping you up at night without having to turn it off completely.
Turning off your phone can be dangerous
It’s worth noting that turning off your phone isn’t the only way to prevent it from being a distraction at night. You can simply set the phone to Do Not Disturb mode. Another option is to set the phone to airplane mode when you go to bed. As long as you’re able to resist the temptation to check your device until it’s time to fully wake up and start your day, you’ll avoid digital interruptions that interfere with your sleep.
Turning off your phone can actually damage the device in a variety of ways. First, the phone uses significant resources to power itself back on. So turning it off and on again every day can be very exhausting over time. Additionally, even when the phone is not in use, it can perform maintenance and updates in the background. The device cannot perform these tasks when it is turned off. Plus, because phones don’t necessarily have moving parts like other complex machines, you don’t have to worry about component wear if you leave the phone on virtually all the time.
Taking a break from your phone before bed is more important than turning it off
You might be inclined to turn off your phone at night because you value your sleep. This is clearly wise. Still, the phone on isn’t really what’s distracting you. Using your phone too close to the time you fall asleep is likely the real root of the problem.
Researchers suggest stepping away from phones and other digital screens at least an hour before going to sleep. Disciplining yourself to stop using your phone about an hour before bed can help you get more rest without potentially damaging your phone by turning it on and off multiple times throughout the week. If you have trouble not looking at your phone when it’s on, consider placing it in another room while you wind down for the night. Just not having the phone in physical proximity could be enough to help you free yourself from its grip.
Turning off a phone can be a security issue
Again, if you’re wondering whether you should turn off your phone at night, you may have good reason to do so. However, before you turn off your phone, consider the essential role it can play in keeping you safe.
Smartphones have replaced landlines for many people. If you don’t have a landline, your phone may be the only way someone can contact you quickly in an emergency. Likewise, if an emergency situation arises in the middle of the night, you want to be able to contact emergency services without having to turn on your phone first.
None of this is to say that smartphones are free of health and safety risks. These devices can cause various forms of damage. Either way, turning them off when you go to bed for the day may not be the most effective way to create distance between you and your device at night. Other tactics, like using Do Not Disturb mode or placing the phone in another room, can achieve the same goal without the potential issues discussed here.
