Apple Studio Display - External SSD gets hot

I have an external SSD plugged into the Studio Display. When I need to disconnect my laptop, I unmount the SSD first before unplugging the laptop. Now the SSD is only connected to the Studio Display. When I come back later to dock my laptop, the SSD is quite warm. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe the SSD is confused and is repeatedly looking for a machine while connected to the display? Surely this is shortening the SSD's life.