Nigerians have been urged to reconsider their habit of sleeping with mobile phones under their pillows or beside their beds due to a wide range of health and safety risks. Akin Ibitoye, a technology advisor at TMB Tech, delivered this warning during an appearance on the Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, where he outlined the harmful effects that smartphones can have when placed too close to the body during sleep.

According to Ibitoye, while smartphones and other mobile devices have become integral to daily life, especially for communication and productivity, many people ignore the dangers they pose to physical and mental health when used improperly—particularly during sleep.

Hidden Dangers of Sleeping With Phones Nearby

Ibitoye emphasized that one of the major risks stems from lithium-ion batteries that power most mobile devices. These batteries can overheat, especially when phones are left under pillows or blankets, leading to a potential risk of explosion or fire.

“These batteries—lithium-ion batteries—you notice they are even restricted on airplanes for good reasons. This tiny marvel of technology can explode anytime. If you keep your phone under your pillow, your phone actually gets heated up,” Ibitoye explained.

He cited real-life incidents, including a viral video showing a woman whose phone exploded while she was making a call. The risk of such incidents increases significantly when devices are confined in spaces with poor air circulation like under pillows or bedsheets.

Sleep Disruption and the Circadian Rhythm

Beyond physical danger, Ibitoye pointed to the negative effects on sleep quality. He highlighted how blue light from phone screens interferes with the body’s circadian rhythm—an internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles.

“These gadgets disrupt our circadian rhythm. That’s how, when it’s dark, your body gets the signal it needs to sleep,” he said. “But when you keep your phone’s screen on and continue to scroll, the body doesn’t receive that signal. That’s why people now struggle to sleep at night.”

Medical experts have long linked disrupted sleep patterns to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, depression, and poor cognitive function.

Psychological Impacts: Doomscrolling and Overstimulation

Ibitoye also raised concerns about what he described as the psychological toll of “doomscrolling,” a behavior where individuals go online intending only a brief look at social media or news, but end up spending hours.

“We spoke about doomscrolling, where you just want to check Instagram for five minutes, but you end up spending two hours,” he said, pointing out how this habit not only disrupts sleep but can also increase anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

He advised people to create healthy nighttime routines that exclude mobile devices, which often emit sounds, vibrations, and pop-up notifications that can jolt users awake or cause stress during the night.

Why You Should Ditch the Phone Alarm

A common reason many people sleep with phones beside them is to use them as alarm clocks. However, Ibitoye suggested that reverting to traditional alarm clocks could help eliminate unnecessary night-time distractions.

“Before mobile phones, we had alarm clocks. The alarm clock would only sound when the time is right,” he said. “Your phone, however, attracts distractions—pop-ups, vibrations, messages. Even when you’re asleep, your mind is on alert.”

This mental alertness, even in a sleeping state, reduces sleep quality and increases the likelihood of waking up tired and irritable.

Radiation Exposure and Brain Function

Ibitoye also touched on the less-discussed issue of electromagnetic radiation emitted by phones, noting that even when a device appears to be off, it can still transmit signals that might interfere with brain function.

“These electromagnetic devices being so close actually affect the electrical signals in our brain,” he said, recommending that frequent users either use wired or wireless earphones for calls and keep their phones away from their heads.

What You Should Do Instead

For those who argue that they need their phones nearby for work or emergencies, Ibitoye suggested practical alternatives that reduce risks without completely cutting off access.

“If you cannot afford to switch it off, put it in airplane mode. No call will come in, no SMS, no notification, but your alarm will still go off,” he advised.

This mode disables cellular and wireless transmissions but allows the alarm function to remain active, giving users a safer and less intrusive way to manage their sleep routines.

Modern Habits, Ancient Bodies

Ibitoye concluded by emphasizing that while technology has become an essential part of modern life, human biology has not evolved to accommodate its 24/7 presence. Extended phone usage, especially close to bedtime, can harm both mental and physical well-being.

“As ubiquitous as technology is, it can be harmful to our bodies with extended usage,” he warned. “The body needs rest, and the mind needs calm. Technology should serve us, not enslave us.”

Final Recommendations for Better Sleep and Health

• Avoid placing phones under pillows or blankets.

• Charge devices away from the bed, preferably in another room.

• Switch to airplane mode at night if you must keep your phone nearby.

• Use traditional alarm clocks instead of phone alarms.

• Eliminate screen use at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

• Practice good sleep hygiene: dim the lights, avoid stimulants, and create a calm sleep environment.

• Resist the urge to check social media or messages late at night.

Ibitoye’s message ultimately calls for a balance—acknowledging that while technology brings convenience, it must be used responsibly to protect both safety and long-term health.