Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of pulsed high-frequency electromagnetic fields on human sleep med./bio.

Published in: Neuropsychobiology 1996; 33 (1): 41-47

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the influence of pulsed high-frequency electromagnetic fields of digital mobile phones on sleep in healthy humans.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 8 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 580 µs
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 40 cm
Setup The mobile phone was positioned at the head of the bed at a distance of 40 cm to the vertex of the subject and was operated from the neighbouring room via an extension lead.
Additional info After an adaptation night, polysomnographies were performed during two successive nights. Half of the subjects were exposed to the EMF on the first night and the other half on the second night (randomized and blinded).
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 8 W peak value - - -
power density 0.05 mW/cm² mean - - at 40 cm

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Besides a hypnotic effect with shortening of sleep onset latency, a REM (rapid eye movement) suppressive effect with reduction of duration and percentage of REM sleep was found. Spectral analysis revealed qualitative alterations of the EEG signal during REM sleep with an increased spectral power density. Knowing the relevance of REM sleep for adequate information processing in the brain, especially concerning mnestic functions and learning processes, the findings emphasize the necessity to carry out further investigations on the interaction of this type of electromagnetic fields and the human organism.

Study character:

Study funded by

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