Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Human sleep under the influence of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: a polysomnographic study using standardized conditions med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1998; 19 (3): 199-202

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of cellular phone GSM signals on human sleep EEG pattern.

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
Polarization
  • circular
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 577 µs
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 40 cm
Chamber The exposure chamber (2 x 1.5 x 3 m³) was metal-free and lined with RF absorbing material and contained a bed made of wood.
Setup The antenna was positioned 40 cm below the pillow of the bed. Due to its special construction, the EMF was nearly homogeneous at the subject's head.
Additional info After an adaptation night, polysomnographies were performed during two successive nights. One-half of the subjects were exposed (double-blind) on the first night and one-half on the second night.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.2 W/m² mean measured - -
SAR 0.3 W/kg - calculated - at the vertex
SAR 0.6 W/kg maximum calculated - at the back of the neck

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Suppression of REM sleep (rapid eye movement) as well as a sleep-inducing effect under field exposure did not reach statistical significance. Previous results (publication 599) indicating alterations of these sleep parameters could not be replicated. Spectral power analysis also did not show any alterations of the EEG rhythms during electromagnetic field exposure. The failure to confirm the previous results might be due to dose-dependent effects of the electromagnetic field on the human sleep profile.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles