Charging your phone under your pillow at night might seem like a simple habit. You may want your device close so you can check messages or use the alarm. However, this practice comes with several hidden risks. Doctors and safety experts warn that this habit can cause serious problems. Let’s talk about why charging your phone under your pillow is risky and what you should do instead.

Risk of Overheating and Fire

When a phone charges, it generates heat. Normally, this heat escapes into the air around the device. But a pillow blocks airflow, trapping the heat next to the phone’s battery and electrical parts. As the heat builds up, the battery may become unstable. Though rare, batteries can swell or leak. In extreme cases, they may spark or burst into flames.

Such incidents have been reported in different parts of the world. Some people have woken up to melted pillowcases or scorched bedding. Others have suffered minor burns. It is also possible for the device to shut down or break entirely. While today’s phones include safety features, these measures are not perfect. Overheating remains a possibility.

Battery Damage

Most phones use lithium-ion batteries, which are efficient but also sensitive. They perform best in cool or moderate temperatures. Placing a phone beneath a pillow forces the battery to work in a hot, enclosed area. Over time, this repeated stress can damage the battery. You might notice shorter battery life or unusual power drops throughout the day.

Battery damage can also lead to costly repairs. A new phone battery may be expensive and may not always fix deeper issues. To keep your device in good condition, avoid letting it overheat during charging.

Sleep Interruption

Good sleep is vital for brain function, mood, and overall health. Yet, many people lose sleep because of phone use. Lights, sounds, and vibrations from phone notifications can wake you up. Even on silent mode, the phone’s glow might grab your attention. You might feel tempted to check new messages or browse social media.

If your phone is under your pillow, it is easy to reach for it during the night. This habit can disrupt healthy sleep cycles and reduce the amount of deep sleep you get. Over time, poor sleep may affect your concentration and energy levels during the day.

Potential Radiation Concerns

Mobile phones send and receive signals through radio waves. At present, no strong evidence shows that these waves cause serious harm in short bursts. Still, many experts advise minimizing prolonged contact. Keeping your phone under your pillow brings it close to your head for hours. If you worry about exposure to radiofrequency energy, moving the device away from your bed may ease your mind.

Risk of Minor Burns

Some individuals have reported heat-related skin irritation when sleeping with a phone beneath the pillow. The device can become hot enough to cause mild burns, especially if there is direct contact with skin. People who sweat a lot during sleep or use thick bedding might face an even higher chance of feeling heat-related discomfort.

Fire Safety and Home Hazards

Many fires start in bedrooms due to faulty electronics or poor charging habits. A pillow contains combustible material that can catch fire quickly. Sheets and blankets add more fuel if a spark occurs. Plus, low-quality or broken chargers can raise the risk of short circuits. These issues become more hazardous if the phone is hidden in an enclosed space, like under a pillow or blanket.

By keeping your phone in a safe spot, such as on a nightstand, you reduce the chance of sparks and overheating. You also protect your bedding and mattress. Modern fire safety guidelines often warn against letting charging devices come into contact with flammable objects.

Possible Skin Reactions

Some phone cases or metal parts contain nickel or other metals that may irritate certain people’s skin. If you rest your head on a phone or keep it near your face for hours, you may develop redness or rashes. Though not common, this can happen if you have allergies or sensitive skin. If you notice any skin changes, consult a healthcare provider.

Safer Charging Methods

Place the Phone on a Nightstand: Keep your device on a stable, flat surface while charging. This provides enough room for the heat to escape.
Charge Before Bed: Instead of charging overnight, power up your phone earlier. Unplug the phone once the battery is full.
Use Certified Chargers: Cheap or poorly made chargers pose risks, including overheating and short circuits. Choose original or certified charging cables.
Turn On Airplane Mode: If you need to keep your phone close, switching to airplane mode lowers radiation and prevents notifications.
Try a Different Room: If possible, leave your phone in another room or away from your bed. An old-fashioned alarm clock can wake you without exposing you to phone glare or alerts.

Takeaway

Charging your phone under your pillow is a risky habit. The phone’s heat has nowhere to escape, which can lead to battery problems and potential fires. Also, sleeping too close to your phone can disturb your rest. It might tempt you to stay awake scrolling through apps or checking messages.

You can protect your health, sleep, and property by charging your phone in a safer location. A nightstand, dresser, or table near your bed provides more airflow and reduces fire risks. If you worry about missing an alarm, remember that most smartphones can still serve that purpose even when placed a few feet away.