Scientists have issued a warning over doomscrolling before bed and it’s got nothing to do with screen time.
Endlessly scrolling through social media is a bad habit we can all relate to but scientists are warning that it could be worse for you than you might think.
According to research, it’s not just your sleep pattern that could be harmed from doomscrolling.
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Your phone could be filled with harmful bacteria that is usually found in cockroach feces, according to research sponsored by MattressNextDay.
These germs mixed with the warm environment of a bed becomes, well, a hotbed for it to grow and spread.
Previous studies have discovered that the buttons on the side of your phone can hold as much as ten times the amount of bacteria as a toilet seat.
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To find out exactly what germs might be on our smartphones, researchers conducted a test where they swabbed 10 devices and 10 smartwatches.
Through this, they uncovered that the most common form of bacteria on our phones and watches is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a bacteria commonly found in cockroach feces.
To make matters worse, a survey of 575 adults found that a whopping 74% of them sleep with their phones either next to their head or underneath their pillow.
Scientists are warning that this could expose you to the harmful bacteria on your phone.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that is harmless in most cases but it can lead to more serious health complications.
It can cause eye infections and skin rashes, as well as diarrhea, headaches and other conditions.
For people with a weakened immune system, it could even lead to things like pneumonia and sepsis.
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However, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting an infection.
Firstly, make sure you regularly clean your device with alcohol wipes, making sure to carefully clean the parts that come into contact with your face.
The survey shockingly found that 51% of people who responded have never cleaned their phones.
Another way to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria is by limiting how often you’re touching your face with your smartphone.
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Maybe take breaks from using it near bedtime or even keep the phone away from your bed altogether.
By doing this, not only will you stop yourself from the endless late night doomscrolling but you’ll also protect your body from being exposed to potentially dangerous germs.