Sleeping with our cell phones next to our bed became necessary and extremely common. It’s just so convenient to have them right beside our bed, for many among us use these phones as our alarm clocks. It’s also a great way to be sure you’ll never miss a call, text, or email. Unfortunately, it may also be a great way to develop a severe illness.

It has to do with the radiation that our phones emit constantly. When we sleep with our phones right next to our heads, we expose ourselves to this radiation throughout the night. Research has shown that cell phones, and electronics in general, can be detrimental to our health. While these studies are not conclusive, they do point to some troubling signs regarding long-term exposure.

One study from Australia showed that might be a connection between cell phones and male sterility. This study showed that sperm motility (the ability of sperm to move toward the egg) and sperm viability (the amount of live sperm that can fertilize the egg) each decreased by 8 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

Sleeping with your phone in bed can prolong your exposure to radiation which may decrease your sperm quality.

Another study found that cell phones in bed may cause serious problems with sleep. Using a cell phone in bed, and then sleeping next to it can throw off a person’s circadian rhythm and may even cause nightmares.

Without a full night’s sleep, a person can develop a variety of health problems. The biggest concern, however, is cancer. While the world health organization denies that there is any link between cell phones and cancer, many people dispute that. Even though the electromagnetic radiation is given off by cell phones falls under the “safe” threshold of 2.0 W/kg. Critics argue that all exposure is inherently dangerous. These critics urge people to sleep next to their phones. If a person has no other place to put it and does not otherwise have an alarm clock, they suggest putting it in airplane mode before going to sleep. This will cut down on the amount of radiation the phone gives off while still serving as your alarm clock.

There are other suggestions that can help prevent cancer allegedly caused by cell phones. One valuable proposal is for men to buy a holder for their phone instead of keeping it in their pocket. Keeping your phone in your pocket may be responsible for testicular cancer.

Another suggestion is to use your speakerphone whenever possible. Holding your phone up to your head could expose your brain to electromagnetic waves, potentially increasing the risk for brain cancer. Using your phone’s speaker can allow you to keep your phone at a distance safely. It should be noted that there has never been a definitive link between cell phones and cancer, but a person can never be too safe when it comes to their health.

Even if the risk is low, taking simple steps to guard your health could prevent some illness.