Spending the night next to a router - Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep

Authors: Danker-Hopfe H, Bueno-Lopez A, Dorn H, Schmid G, Hirtl R, Eggert T

Year: 2020 May 11

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Int J Hyg Environ Health

Institution: Int J Hyg Environ Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113550

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32408065

Abstract

Overview

The prevalence of wireless devices has escalated, raising concerns over the health implications of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. This pioneering study explores the effects of overnight Wi-Fi exposure on sleep quality.

Objectives

The study uniquely investigates whether continuous nocturnal exposure to Wi-Fi can impact sleep patterns, employing a rigorous double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized design.

Methods

34 healthy young males participated, undergoing five nights in a sleep lab.
Sleep was analyzed using subjective questionnaires and objective measurements like polysomnography, focusing on macro and microstructures of sleep.

Findings

Exposure involved 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi signals with a maximum psSAR10g of 6.4 mW/kg. No significant effects were detected on overall sleep macrostructure. However, a decrease in EEG power in the alpha frequency during NREM sleep was noted under Wi-Fi exposure.

Conclusion

Although the macrostructure of sleep appears unaffected, the observed alterations in EEG during sleep suggest potential subtle impacts of Wi-Fi exposure. These findings highlight the complexity of RF-EMF effects on sleep, necessitating further investigation into their health implications.

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