Are you tossing and turning at night? A groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Public Health has shed light on a question that's keeping many of us awake: Does radiofrequency radiation impact our sleep? This study delves into the potential effects of EMF exposure on our precious shut-eye. As we navigate an increasingly wireless world, understanding these impacts is crucial for our health and well-being. 

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is increasing and so is the interest in their health effects.1 Every day we are exposed to EMFs generated by electricity production by power lines, power distribution networks, internet, household appliances, mobile phones, and computers.2-5 EMF exposure has been proven to disrupt:1,2,4,6
● Brain activity
● Hormone activity
● Enzyme function
● Cell cycle regulation
● Protein synthesis
● RNA/DNA synthesis
● Nervous system function
● Cognition and learning
● Liver function
● Eye health
These disruptions are thought to lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, learning disorders, and sleep disturbance.1,2,4,6 EMFs have also been linked to childhood leukaemia, adult brain cancer, and increased risk of miscarriage.1,4,6 EMFs were actually classed as a
carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Detrimental effects of EMFs Mobile phones emit radiofrequency EMFs that can penetrate 4 to 6 cm into the brain, even when on a call. This can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, liver damage, and eye damage.6 The damage caused by EMFs is thought to be due to the electric fields, thermal effects, and radiation, depending on frequency and strength of exposure.
It is thought that EMFs alter calcium
metabolism pathways, increase intracellular
calcium levels; as well as increasing free
radical production and damaging protective
endogenous antioxidant systems. The result
is oxidative damage, cell dysfunction, and
chronic low-grade inflammation.4,6 The brain
is particularly susceptible to free radicals,
and is most affected by EMF exposure.
Oxidative stress in the brain is linked to
neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s
disease and Alzheimer’s disease.1,2
HOW EMFs ARE AFFECTING HEALTH
The brain is particularly
susceptible to oxidative
damage and is most affected
by EMF exposure.
EMFs can alter sleep patterns
Melatonin, the main sleep hormone, also acts
as an antioxidant within the central nervous
system (CNS).4
However, as EMF exposure
may reduce the activity of the pineal gland
and suppress melatonin production, the
body loses this antioxidant benefit, further
increasing the oxidative damage of EMF
exposure. Suppression of melatonin can
also lead to sleep disorders, depression, and
cancer.1,2,4,5
EMF exposure may reduce the
activity of the pineal gland and
suppress melatonin production.
EMFs in stress, depression and
anxiety
Nitric oxide is an intracellular messenger
formed in the CNS. It is involved in many
physiological and pathological processes,
especially in the brain and particularly in
the stress response. EMFs can cause
excessive levels of intracellular calcium,
which increases nitric oxide production.1,7