sleep with your cell phone?

Where to bed your cell phone?  Not next to you — or near your bed — so we hear.

The California Department of Public Health has warned the public long-term exposure to cell phones could cause health concerns, advising citizens to take steps such as keeping devices away from their beds at night.

In a statement, state public health officer Dr. Karen Smith declared, “We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults.”

“Children’s brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cellphone use,” Dr. Smith continued, adding, “Parents should consider reducing the time their children use cellphones and encourage them to turn the devices off at night.”

According to a report earlier this year, 45 percent of US children between the ages of ten and twelve own a smartphone with a service plan, while another report revealed that “42% of US children 8 and younger now have their own tablet devices.”

Movies:  For those who want to watch movies on their I-Phone, try the Criterion Channel which is part of FilmStruck so says the New York Times.

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Aptos Psychologist:

Sleep hygiene issues?   A regular bed time and no noise and little  light the hour before are standard assists for sleep.  Yes – turn off that cell phone.