A 50-Hz electromagnetic field impairs sleep.
In view of reports of health problems induced by low frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (EMF), we carried out a study in 18 healthy subjects, comparing sleep with and without exposure to a 50 Hz/1 mu Tesla electrical field. We found that the EMF condition was associated with reduced: total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency, stages 3 + 4 slow wave sleep (SWS), and slow wave activity (SWA). Circulating melatonin, growth hormone, prolactin, testosterone or cortisol were not affected. The results suggest that commonly occurring low frequency electromagnetic fields may interfere with sleep.
Akerstedt
T
T
National Institute for Psychosocial Factors and Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. torbjorn.akerstedt@ipm.ki.se
Arnetz
B
B
Ficca
G
G
Paulsson
L E
LE
Kallner
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone