An experimental study on effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on sleep in healthy elderly males and females: Gender matters!

Authors: Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Sauter C, Schmid G, Eggert T

Year: April 2020

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environmental Research

Institution: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109181

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935120300736

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on the sleep patterns of elderly males and females, highlighting the gender-specific impacts. This is a critical study that explores a domain where little research has been conducted before, specifically looking at sex differences relating to EMF exposure.

Methods

  • Double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled cross-over design.
  • 60 participants (30 males and 30 females), each undergoing three exposure conditions across nine nights.
  • Exposure included RF-EMF through GSM900 and TETRA technologies for 30 minutes before sleep and throughout the night (7.5 hours).

Findings

  • Significant reduction in arousals and shorter latencies to sleep stage N3 in both genders.
  • Shorter self-reported time awake after sleep onset in both genders.
  • Significant gender-specific effects were noted: shorter latency to sleep stage R in females and varying influences on sleep latency across sexes with different exposures.
  • Overall lower number of awakenings in females under GSM exposure.

Conclusion

Exposure to GSM900 and TETRA results in gender-dependent effects on sleep macrostructure. While effects were prominent, particularly in females, none indicated a sleep disturbance, suggesting potential mediation through non-disturbing thermoregulatory mechanisms. This accentuates the critical need for gender-specific research in RF-EMF exposure studies.

RF-EMF sleep effects gender differences elderly health experimental research electromagnetic fields
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