Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted from W-CDMA-like mobile phones on sleep in humans

Bioelectromagnetics. 2013 Dec;34(8):589-98. doi: 10.1002/bem.21809. Epub 2013 Aug 22.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated subjective and objective effects of mobile phones using a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)-like system on human sleep. Subjects were 19 volunteers. Real or sham electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures for 3 h were performed before their usual sleep time on 3 consecutive days. They were exposed to real EMF on the second or third experimental day in a double-blind design. Sleepiness and sleep insufficiency were evaluated the next morning. Polysomnograms were recorded for analyses of the sleep variables and power spectra of electroencephalograms (EEG). No significant differences were observed between the two conditions in subjective feelings. Sleep parameters including sleep stage percentages and EEG power spectra did not differ significantly between real and sham exposures. We conclude that continuous wave EMF exposure for 3 h from a W-CDMA-like system has no detectable effects on human sleep.

Keywords: electroencephalogram (EEG); human sleep; power spectrum; radio frequency exposure; sleep parameter.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Phone*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polysomnography
  • Self Report
  • Sleep / physiology
  • Sleep / radiation effects*
  • Young Adult