Abstract

Overview

An exploration into how radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) doses throughout the day and evening relate to sleep quality and disturbances in preadolescents. This study utilized data from two distinct population-based birth cohorts.

Methods

• Included participants aged 9-12 from the Dutch Generation R Study and the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project.
• Calculated the RF-EMF doses from various sources including phone and tablet use.
• Utilized the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and wrist accelerometers for objective sleep data over seven days.

Findings

No significant association was found between all-day RF-EMF exposure and sleep disturbances or sleep measures. However, high RF-EMF doses in the evening from phone calls were associated with shorter total sleep time, indicating a potential risk window.

Conclusion

This preliminary study highlights evenings as a potential critical exposure period for RF-EMF that could unfavorably affect sleep duration in preadolescents. Despite the lack of significant relations in some areas, the linkage of evening phone-use derived RF-EMF to reduced sleep advises caution. Future research should focus more on these correlations and the biological mechanisms at play.