3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Sleep & Circadian Rhythm

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Key Finding: 79% of 167 studies on sleep & circadian rhythm found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 167 studies examining sleep & circadian rhythm, 79% found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure.

Lowest Documented Effect

Research found effects on sleep & circadian rhythm at exposures as low as:

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in Context0.000002, 0.000005, 0.00041Extreme Concern1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit10M uW/m2Effects observed in the No Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 5,000,000,000,000x higher than this exposure level

Research Overview

  • -Nearly half of all studies examining EMF exposure and sleep patterns (47.1%, or 24 out of 51 studies) have documented measurable effects on sleep quality and circadian rhythms.
  • -This represents one of the most consistently observed biological responses to electromagnetic field exposure, with research spanning decades and multiple types of EMF sources.
  • -The science demonstrates that our bodies' natural sleep-wake cycles can be disrupted by the same wireless signals we rely on daily.

Nearly half of all studies examining EMF exposure and sleep patterns (47.1%, or 24 out of 51 studies) have documented measurable effects on sleep quality and circadian rhythms. This represents one of the most consistently observed biological responses to electromagnetic field exposure, with research spanning decades and multiple types of EMF sources. The science demonstrates that our bodies' natural sleep-wake cycles can be disrupted by the same wireless signals we rely on daily.

Showing 167 studies

Occupational Electromagnetic Field Exposures Associated with Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Liu H et al. · 2014

Researchers studied 854 electric power plant workers in China to examine how workplace electromagnetic field exposure affects sleep quality. They found that workers with longer daily EMF exposure had significantly worse sleep quality, with those in the highest exposure group being 68% more likely to experience poor sleep compared to the lowest exposure group. This suggests that occupational EMF exposure specifically disrupts sleep quality rather than sleep duration.

Melatonin protects rat cerebellar granule cells against electromagnetic field-induced increases in Na+ currents through intracellular Ca2+ release

Liu DD, Ren Z, Yang G, Zhao QR, Mei YA. · 2014

Researchers exposed rat brain cells to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) for one hour and found that this exposure increased sodium channel activity in the cells by 62.5%. However, when the hormone melatonin was present, it prevented this electromagnetic field-induced change in brain cell function. This suggests melatonin may offer some protection against certain neurological effects of EMF exposure.

Occupational Electromagnetic Field Exposures Associated with Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Liu H et al. · 2014

Researchers studied 854 power plant workers in China to examine how workplace electromagnetic field exposure affects sleep quality. Workers with longer daily EMF exposure had 68% higher odds of poor sleep quality compared to those with shorter exposure times. The study suggests that EMF exposure specifically damages sleep quality rather than sleep duration.

Melatonin protects rat cerebellar granule cells against electromagnetic field-induced increases in Na+ currents through intracellular Ca2+ release.

Liu DD, Ren Z, Yang G, Zhao QR, Mei YA. · 2014

Researchers exposed rat brain cells to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (like those from power lines) and found the EMF exposure significantly increased electrical activity in neurons by 62.5%. However, when they treated the cells with melatonin, it protected against these EMF-induced changes. This suggests melatonin might help shield brain cells from electromagnetic field effects.

Mobile usage and sleep patterns among medical students.

Yogesh S, Abha S, Priyanka S. · 2014

Researchers studied 100 medical students to see if heavy mobile phone use affected their sleep quality. Students using phones more than 2 hours daily experienced significantly more sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and daytime fatigue. The effects were particularly pronounced in female students and those who used phones in the evening.

Circadian alterations of reproductive functional markers in male rats exposed to 1800-MHz radiofrequency field.

Qin F et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed male rats to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 2 hours daily over 32 days and found it disrupted their natural body clocks and harmed reproductive function. The radiation reduced testosterone levels, decreased sperm production and movement, and interfered with the normal daily rhythms that regulate these processes. This suggests that the timing of EMF exposure throughout the day may influence how severely it affects male fertility.

Does Exposure to a Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Modify Thermal Preference in Juvenile Rats?

Pelletier A et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed young rats to cell phone-frequency radiation (900 MHz) for five weeks and found the animals developed altered sleep patterns and temperature preferences. The exposed rats slept 15.5% longer, preferred warmer environments, and had cooler tail temperatures, suggesting the radiation disrupted their normal body temperature regulation. This provides biological evidence that radiofrequency exposure can interfere with fundamental physiological processes like sleep and thermoregulation.

Therapeutic approaches of melatonin in microwave radiations-induced oxidative stress-mediated toxicity on male fertility pattern of Wistar rats

Meena R, Kumari K, Kumar J, Rajamani P, Verma HN, Kesari KK · 2014

Researchers exposed male rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for 2 hours daily over 45 days, finding significant damage to sperm production and testosterone levels. Melatonin supplements prevented most reproductive harm, suggesting microwave radiation threatens male fertility but antioxidants may offer protection.

Therapeutic approaches of melatonin in microwave radiations-induced oxidative stress-mediated toxicity on male fertility pattern of Wistar rats

Meena R, Kumari K, Kumar J, Rajamani P, Verma HN, Kesari KK. · 2014

Researchers exposed male rats to Wi-Fi frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for 2 hours daily over 45 days, finding it damaged sperm DNA and caused oxidative stress in testicular tissue. The antioxidant melatonin prevented this damage, suggesting everyday microwave radiation may harm male fertility but antioxidants could provide protection.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

New Zealand adolescents' cellphone and cordless phone user-habits: are they at increased risk of brain tumours already? A cross-sectional study.

Redmayne M · 2013

Researchers surveyed 373 New Zealand adolescents (average age 12.3 years) about their cellphone and cordless phone use patterns. They found that 90% used both devices, with some already logging enough cordless phone hours to match the highest usage levels in major brain tumor studies. The study projected that if usage continued at current rates, many teens would reach exposure levels associated with increased brain tumor risk by their mid-teens.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted from W-CDMA-like mobile phones on sleep in humans.

Nakatani-Enomoto S et al. · 2013

Japanese researchers exposed 19 volunteers to cell phone radiation similar to 3G networks for 3 hours before bedtime, then monitored their sleep using brain wave recordings and morning questionnaires. They found no differences in sleep quality, brain wave patterns, or how rested people felt the next morning between real radiation exposure and fake exposure sessions. This suggests that 3-hour exposures to this type of cell phone radiation don't measurably disrupt human sleep patterns.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found

Subjective symptoms related to GSM radiation from mobile phone base stations: a cross-sectional study.

Gómez-Perretta C, Navarro EA, Segura J, Portolés M. · 2013

Spanish researchers reanalyzed health data from 88 people living near cell phone towers to see if proximity to the towers correlated with health symptoms. They found that people living closer to cell towers were significantly more likely to report lack of appetite, concentration problems, irritability, and sleep troubles. Even when accounting for people's fears about the towers, the association between proximity and symptoms remained statistically significant.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted from W-CDMA-like mobile phones on sleep in humans.

Nakatani-Enomoto S et al. · 2013

Japanese researchers exposed 19 volunteers to cell phone-like electromagnetic fields for 3 hours before bedtime to see if it affected their sleep quality. They found no significant differences in how well people slept, how they felt the next morning, or their brain wave patterns during sleep compared to fake exposure. This suggests that 3-hour EMF exposure from mobile phone technology doesn't detectably disrupt normal sleep.

Association between Problematic Cellular Phone Use and Suicide: The Moderating Effect of Family Function and Depression.

Wang PW, Liu TL, Ko CH, Lin HC, Huang MF, Yeh YC, Yen CF. · 2013

Researchers studied over 5,000 teenagers in Taiwan to examine whether problematic cell phone use is linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts. They found that teens with problematic phone use had twice the rate of suicidal thoughts (23.5% vs 11.8%) and nearly three times the rate of suicide attempts (13.7% vs 5.5%) compared to teens without phone problems. The study revealed that strong family relationships can help protect teens with phone addiction from these serious mental health risks.

Non-thermal continuous and modulated electromagnetic radiation fields effects on sleep EEG of rats.

Mohammed HS, Fahmy HM, Radwah NM, Elsayed AA · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) for one hour daily over a month and measured their brain waves during sleep. The study found that REM sleep - the deep sleep phase crucial for memory and brain restoration - was significantly disrupted, with longer delays before entering REM sleep and changes to normal sleep cycles. This suggests that even non-thermal levels of RF radiation can interfere with essential sleep patterns.

Stimulation of the brain with radiofrequency electromagnetic field pulses affects sleep-dependent performance improvement.

Lustenberger C et al. · 2013

Swiss researchers exposed 16 men to pulsed radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) throughout entire nights of sleep and measured their brain activity and learning ability. They found that RF exposure altered brain wave patterns during sleep and reduced the participants' ability to improve on a motor skill task by 20% compared to nights without exposure. This suggests that RF radiation can interfere with the brain's natural sleep processes that are essential for learning and memory consolidation.

Electromagnetic hypersensitive Finns: Symptoms, perceived sources and treatments, a questionnaire study.

Hagström M, Auranen J, Ekman R. · 2013

Researchers surveyed 206 Finnish people who believe they suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition where individuals experience symptoms they attribute to EMF exposure from devices like computers and cell phones. The study found that 76% reported improvement when they reduced or avoided EMF exposure, with the most effective treatments being dietary changes, supplements, and exercise rather than conventional medical approaches. The findings suggest that people experiencing EHS symptoms may benefit more from EMF avoidance and lifestyle modifications than from standard psychiatric treatments.

Reduction of pain thresholds in fibromyalgia after very low-intensity magnetic stimulation: a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Maestú C et al. · 2013

Spanish researchers tested whether very low-intensity 8 Hz magnetic fields could help women with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. After eight weekly sessions, patients receiving real magnetic stimulation showed significant improvements in pain thresholds, daily functioning, chronic pain levels, and sleep quality compared to those receiving fake treatment. The benefits appeared quickly for pain relief but took six weeks to develop for other symptoms, suggesting magnetic fields may offer a safe treatment option for fibromyalgia patients.

Modulation of wireless (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative toxicity in laryngotracheal mucosa of rat by melatonin

Aynali G, Nazıroğlu M, Celik O, Doğan M, Yarıktaş M, Yasan H · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to Wi-Fi radiation for one hour daily over 28 days, finding it caused oxidative damage in throat tissues. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced this cellular damage. The study suggests Wi-Fi exposure may harm respiratory tissues, but antioxidants could provide protection.

Reduction of pain thresholds in fibromyalgia after very low-intensity magnetic stimulation: a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Maestú C et al. · 2013

Spanish researchers tested whether very low-intensity magnetic field stimulation could help women with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. After eight weekly sessions of 8 Hz pulsed magnetic fields, patients showed significant improvements in pain thresholds, daily functioning, sleep quality, and overall pain levels compared to those receiving fake treatment. The improvements began after just one session for pain relief, with other benefits appearing after six weeks of treatment.

Non-thermal continuous and modulated electromagnetic radiation fields effects on sleep EEG of rats

Mohammed HS, Fahmy HM, Radwah NM, Elsayed AA · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily over a month, then monitored their brain waves during sleep. They found that EMF exposure disrupted normal sleep patterns, particularly REM sleep (the deep sleep phase crucial for memory and brain restoration). The study suggests that radiofrequency radiation can alter brain function even at non-heating power levels.

Stimulation of the brain with radiofrequency electromagnetic field pulses affects sleep-dependent performance improvement.

Lustenberger C et al. · 2013

Swiss researchers exposed 16 men to cell phone-like radiofrequency signals during sleep while monitoring brain activity. The RF exposure altered brain waves and reduced participants' ability to improve motor skills by 20% compared to nights without exposure, suggesting nighttime RF may disrupt sleep-dependent learning processes.

Learn More

For a comprehensive exploration of EMF health effects including sleep & circadian rhythm, along with practical protection strategies, explore these books by R Blank and Dr. Martin Blank.

FAQs: EMF & Sleep & Circadian Rhythm

Nearly half of all studies examining EMF exposure and sleep patterns (47.1%, or 24 out of 51 studies) have documented measurable effects on sleep quality and circadian rhythms. This represents one of the most consistently observed biological responses to electromagnetic field exposure, with research spanning decades and multiple types of EMF sources.
The BioInitiative Report database includes 167 peer-reviewed studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and sleep & circadian rhythm. These studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide and published in scientific journals. The research spans multiple decades and includes various types of EMF sources including cell phones, WiFi, power lines, and other common sources of electromagnetic radiation.
79% of the 167 studies examining sleep & circadian rhythm found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 132 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 21% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.