From sleepreviewmag.com
Summary: A study suggests that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as baby monitors, may contribute to sleep disturbances. Conducted in real-world conditions, the research found that participants exposed to the radiation experienced disrupted sleep patterns, with some showing increased brain activity during non-REM sleep and a heightened risk of clinical insomnia. The findings raise concerns about the placement of wireless devices in sleeping areas and call for further research to explore these effects.
Key Takeaways:
- Link Between Wi-Fi Radiation and Sleep Disruption: The study found that exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi-enabled devices, like baby monitors, increased brain activity during non-REM sleep, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
- Real-World Conditions Studied: Conducted in participants’ homes over seven nights, the study provides insights into how Wi-Fi radiation may affect sleep outside of controlled lab environments.
- Caution Against Bedroom Device Placement: Researchers advise keeping Wi-Fi-enabled devices and cell phones out of bedrooms until further large-scale studies confirm or refute these findings.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health reveals potential links between radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from Wi-Fi-enabled devices and sleep disturbances.
The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial, conducted by researchers at RMIT University, examined the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from baby monitors on sleep quality in real-world conditions.
Given the rise in sleep disturbances coincides with the widespread deployment of mobile phones and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the study used a digital device (baby monitor) to investigate the impact of radiofrequency radiation on sleep.
The results showed that adults exposed to the radiation from a baby monitor over seven consecutive nights experienced sleep disturbances, with over a quarter of participants above the threshold for risk of clinical insomnia. During exposure there was an increase in gamma, beta, and theta waves during non-rapid eye movement sleep, which signifies a disruption of normal sleep patterns arising from an unusually active brain during what should be a period of deep rest.
Researchers say these findings raise concerns about the impact of radiofrequency radiation on sleep physiology and underscore the need for further research and careful consideration of wireless device placement in sleeping areas.
Potential Risks for Wi-Fi Devices on Sleep
“Our study is the first to investigate the potential impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from a commercially available Wi-Fi-enabled device over seven consecutive nights on sleep in healthy adults in a real-world setting (in participant’s homes as opposed to a sleep laboratory),” says lead researcher, Nicole Bijlsma, PhD, in a release. “The results of the pilot study suggest there may be a link between the two and further research is needed to fully understand the implications.”
The study has already sparked discussions among parents and experts about the use of technology in the bedroom and its potential effects on sleep.
The study suggests that exposure to the radiation emitted from a Wi-Fi-enabled device may impact sleep in some people under real-world conditions. Until further large-scale real-world investigations can be undertaken to verify or disprove these findings, Wi-Fi-enabled devices and cell phones should be avoided in bedrooms, researchers caution.
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