Estimated all-day and evening whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields doses, and sleep in preadolescents

Abstract

Overview

This study aimed to examine the potential links between whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) doses and sleep quality in preadolescent children. Attention was specifically given to all-day exposures as well as those confined to evening activities involving mobile and digital communication devices.

Methods

• The study included children aged 9-12 from two cohort studies, evaluating the influence of various RF-EMF sources on sleep.
• Detailed assessments of RF-EMF exposures from different sources were conducted.
• Sleep disturbances were evaluated using mother-reported scales and objective measures collected via wrist accelerometers and sleep diaries over a week.

Findings

No significant associations were found between all-day RF-EMF exposure and sleep disruptions or objective sleep measures. However, preadolescents exposed to higher RF-EMF doses during the evening from phone calls experienced shorter total sleep times compared to those with minimal evening RF-EMF exposure.

Conclusion

The study highlights potential sleep disruption in preadolescents from evening RF-EMF exposure linked to phone calls. The findings stimulate further research into sleep and RF-EMF doses absorbed by the brain during evening or night periods, as well as possible biological mechanisms underlying these associations. It advocates caution in interpreting the relationships due to the exploratory nature of the study.