5G Radio-Frequency-Electromagnetic-Field Effects on the Human Sleep Electroencephalogram: A Randomized Controlled Study in CACNA1C Genotyped Healthy Volunteers

Authors: Sousouri G, Eicher C, D'Angelo RM, Billecocq M, Fussinger T, Studler M, Capstick M, Kuster N, Achermann P, Huber R, Landolt H-P

Year: 2024-12-26

Category: Sleep Research, Neuroscience, Electromagnetic Field Effects

Journal: MedRxiv (pre-print, not peer-reviewed)

Institution: IT'IS Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland

DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.16.24319082

URL: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.16.24319082v1

Abstract

Overview

The widespread adoption of 5G technology in mobile telecommunications has heightened concerns over its potential health implications, particularly when considering prior evidence linking earlier generations of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) to altered neurological activities during sleep. Specifically, previous research indicated enhanced electroencephalographic (EEG) spindle frequency activity in non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep following RF-EMF exposure.

This current randomized controlled study explores, for the first time, the direct effects of 5G RF-EMF exposure on human sleep EEG and investigates the role of a CACNA1C gene variant (rs7304986) in moderating these effects.

Methods

  • Sample: 34 healthy participants, genotyped for rs7304986 (15 T/C and 19 T/T carriers).
  • Design: Double-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over study.
  • Intervention: Standardized unilateral (left-hemisphere) exposure to two 5G RF-EMF signals (3.6 GHz & 700 MHz) for 30 minutes prior to sleep, compared with a sham (no active field).
  • Measurement: High-density EEG analyzed using the FOOOF algorithm to assess sleep spindle activity.

Findings

  • T/C carriers reported longer sleep latency than T/T carriers.
  • 3.6 GHz 5G RF-EMF exposure resulted in a significant, genotype-dependent acceleration of spindle center frequency during NREM sleep for T/C carriers, notably in central, parietal, and occipital cortex regions.
  • Both exposure protocols used a rigorously characterized system and remained within safety limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), but noteworthy EEG modulations were still observed.
  • The difference between exposed and sham conditions highlights sensitivity of spindle activity to high-frequency 5G signals, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.
  • The study reaffirms the association between EMF exposure and altered brain activity—this time with a specific 5G signal and genetic marker—raising considerations about individual susceptibility and the broader implications of 5G RF-EMF exposure on brain function.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that 3.6 GHz 5G RF-EMF exposure alters sleep spindle oscillatory activity in a genotype-dependent manner, implicating L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LTCCs) in the observed neural response. These findings point to a tangible neurophysiological effect of 5G RF-EMF exposure related to genetic vulnerability. The study underscores the need for further, more comprehensive investigations into how 5G signals may influence brain health, especially among genetically susceptible populations.

⚠️ Electromagnetic fields (EMF), including those from 5G, have demonstrated links to measurable changes in neurophysiological behavior during sleep, reinforcing the importance of evaluating EMF safety and individual risk factors.

5G RF-EMF sleep EEG spindle activity CACNA1C genetics
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