A 2024 review of the average person’s daily cell phone activity found that 62% of Americans sleep with their cell phone at their bedside (via Reviews.org). Based on this number, it makes sense that people would want to position their bed nearest the closest outlet in order to have their phone fully charged and ready to go the next morning. However, snoozing in such close proximity to an electrical outlet can pose some potential risks.
When it comes to any electric-powered device, the energy they emit in the form of radiation is referred to as electric and magnetic fields — or EMFs for short (via National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). Everyday household items such as microwaves, refrigerators, computers, and cell phones all emit relatively low levels of non-ionizing radiation, which is not thought to pose significant risk to our health.
Because an outlet itself is made up of electrical wiring, it does give off small amounts of EMFs simply on its own. These minuscule EMF radiation levels are not generally cause for concern. However, most of us don’t leave our outlets sitting unused.
The more devices plugged into an outlet, the higher the risk
On our nightstand we may have any number of plug-in items ranging from a bedside lamp, to an alarm clock radio — to yes, that beloved iPhone. Experts at Manufactured Home Parts and Accessories stress that the more electronics plugged into the wall, the higher the levels of EMFs, which can potentially become dangerous if exposed to for hours on end.
A 2004 study conducted by the University of Washington discovered that exposure to low-level EMFs, even for as little as two days’ time, resulted in permanent brain cell damage in rat subjects.
Therefore, in order to prevent the development of potential long-term side effects from radiation, Manufactured Home Parts and Accessories emphasizes that the No.1 thing you can do to protect yourself is to minimize exposure. This includes creating distance from surrounding wall outlets and limiting time spent in close proximity to EMF sources. So the next time you find yourself itching to rearrange the furniture, maybe opt to push the bed closer to a naturally sunny window rather than closer to the blue light of the television screen.
