Reduced Subjective Sleep Quality in People Rating Themselves as Electro-hypersensitive: An Observational Study

Authors: Eicher C, Marty B, Achermann P, Huber R, Landolt H-P

Year: 2023

Category: Sleep Medicine

Journal: Sleep Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.11.029

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945723004471

Abstract

Overview

Disturbed sleep is a common complaint among people exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), especially those who identify as electro-hypersensitive (EHS). This study explores the connection between EHS status, sleep complaints, and possible genetic predispositions.

Methods

  • 2,040 participants aged 18–30 completed online questionnaires on EMF sensitivity and sleep quality and provided saliva samples for genetic analysis.
  • The study identified participants as "EHS", "attributers", or "non-EHS" based on their responses to EMF sensitivity.
  • Analytical methods included linear and logistic regression, with corrections for multiple comparisons.

Findings

EHS and attributers reported worse sleep quality compared to non-EHS, with no significant influence from mobile phone use. The variant rs2302729 of CACNA1C was linked to both EMF sensitivity and poorer sleep, though no direct causal pathway through this genetic variant was confirmed.

Conclusion

Independent of RF-EMF exposure level, those identifying as EHS or attributers experience significantly poorer sleep quality than non-EHS counterparts.

Electro-hypersensitivity EMF sensitivity Sleep quality Genetic association Mobile telecommunications
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