Things You Should Never Keep Near Your Bed

1. Headboard Cushions

Many people enjoy placing extra cushions or padded boards at the head of their bed, either for decoration or added comfort while sleeping. However, this can have unintended effects on your spine and sleep quality.

The ideal pillow height is between 10 to 20 centimeters. Stacking pillows on top of thick headboard cushions may elevate the head excessively, placing strain on the spine.

Moreover, a study published in the European Stroke Journal revealed that overly high pillows can contribute to health risks, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) — a condition linked to strokes. This occurs because the excessive neck curvature may compress the vertebral arteries, raising the likelihood of arterial damage.

2. Clocks

It’s common to glance at the clock when you wake up during the night. But this seemingly harmless habit can disrupt your sleep cycle. Checking the time can activate mental alertness, making it harder to fall back asleep.

Additionally, being frequently disturbed by alarms or nearby clocks can lead to chronic stress, high blood pressure, poor sleep quality, and even depression. It’s best to keep alarm clocks at least 1.8 meters (around 6 feet) away from your bed.

3. Indoor Plants

While plants offer benefits like air purification and stress reduction during the day, they can have the opposite effect at night. During nighttime, plants absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide, which may lower oxygen levels in the room and interfere with deep, restful sleep.

Soil in potted plants may also harbor mold spores that can aggravate respiratory problems such as allergies or asthma. If you enjoy greenery in your space, opt for small hydroponic plants like lucky bamboo or cacti, and place them away from your sleeping area.

4. Electronic Devices

All electronics, no matter how small, should be kept away from your bed. Devices such as mobile chargers, radios, or bug zappers may emit electromagnetic radiation, which can be harmful over time.

Additionally, gadgets like smartphones emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin production — a hormone crucial for sleep regulation. Exposure to blue light at night can delay your body’s natural sleep rhythms, making it harder to drift off and stay asleep.

Experts recommend placing electronic devices at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from your sleeping area.

5. Stuffed Toys

Stuffed animals can accumulate dust and bacteria, especially if not regularly cleaned. Some plush toys, particularly those without clear origins or safety certifications, may contain toxic synthetic fibers that can irritate the skin or respiratory system.

For this reason, it’s advisable not to keep stuffed animals too close to your bed — and definitely avoid cuddling them during sleep, as they can be a source of allergens and germs.

Habits That May Harm Your Sleep — and Health

1. Staying Up Late

Regularly burning the midnight oil can do more than make you tired — it can also raise your risk of cancer. Many young people don’t realize that late nights not only impact focus and productivity but can also take a toll on long-term health.

This is because our internal organs rely on nighttime rest to repair and regenerate. Chronic sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and overburdens the body’s vital systems.

Over time, these effects can damage internal organs and increase the likelihood of developing serious illnesses — including cancer.

2. Drinking Alcohol Before Bed

Some people believe that a drink before bed can help them sleep better. However, alcohol can be taxing on the liver, particularly because the ethanol it contains is difficult to metabolize.

Drinking before sleep forces the liver to work overtime when it should be resting, increasing the risk of liver disease and even cancer over time.

Although alcohol may help you fall asleep quickly, its disruptive effects kick in after a few hours, causing fragmented sleep and frequent wakefulness in the second half of the night.

3. Late-Night Snacking

According to clinical studies, individuals with cancer are more likely to have a habit of late-night snacking. These snacks often consist of unhealthy, highly processed foods loaded with salt, fats, and artificial additives — substances that can promote cancer development with prolonged consumption.

Additionally, eating a large meal before bed overburdens the digestive system, leading to indigestion, fatigue, and potential long-term health issues.

Eating late can also cause blood to concentrate in the digestive tract, reducing circulation elsewhere, and increasing blood viscosity. This can heighten the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart disease.

Conclusion:
While a good night's sleep is essential for overall health, it’s just as important to evaluate your nighttime surroundings and behaviors. From avoiding certain bedroom items to breaking harmful habits, small changes can make a big difference in your physical and mental well-being.