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

2.45 GHz (Cw) Microwave Irradiation Alters Circadian Organization, Spatial Memory, Dna Structure in the Brain Cells and Blood Cell Counts of Male Mice, Mus Musculus

Chaturvedi CM et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed mice to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours daily over 30 days. The exposed mice showed disrupted sleep patterns, increased blood cell counts, DNA damage in brain cells, and impaired spatial memory compared to unexposed mice. This study suggests that chronic exposure to common wireless frequencies may affect brain function and biological rhythms.

Sleep after mobile phone exposure in subjects with mobile phone-related symptoms.

Lowden A et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed 48 people to cell phone radiation (884 MHz) for 3 hours before bedtime, then monitored their brain waves during sleep. The radiation exposure reduced deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) by 12% and increased lighter Stage 2 sleep, while also altering brain wave patterns throughout the night. This suggests that cell phone radiation can disrupt the quality of sleep even after exposure ends.

900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain

Kesari KK, Kumar S, Behari J. · 2011

Researchers exposed young rats to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) for 2 hours daily over 45 days. They found significant brain changes including increased oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules), decreased antioxidant protection, and elevated markers associated with cell death. The study suggests that prolonged mobile phone radiation exposure may harm brain tissue through oxidative damage.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of everyday radiofrequency electromagnetic-field exposure on sleep quality: a cross-sectional study.

Mohler E et al. · 2010

Swiss researchers studied 1,375 people in Basel to see if everyday radiofrequency radiation from cell towers, mobile phones, and cordless phones affected their sleep quality. They found no connection between RF exposure levels and sleep problems or daytime sleepiness, even among the 10% most exposed participants. This large population study suggests that typical environmental RF exposure doesn't impair sleep quality.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of everyday radiofrequency electromagnetic-field exposure on sleep quality: a cross-sectional study

Mohler E et al. · 2010

Swiss researchers studied 1,375 people to see if everyday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) from cell towers, mobile phones, and cordless phones affected their sleep quality. They found no association between RF EMF exposure and sleep disturbances or daytime sleepiness, even among the 10% most exposed participants. This large population study suggests that typical environmental RF EMF exposure doesn't impair sleep quality.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of Everyday Radiofrequency Electromagnetic-Field Exposure on Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohler E et al. · 2010

Swiss researchers studied whether exposure to radiofrequency EMFs from cell towers, mobile phones, and cordless phones affects sleep quality in 1,375 people from Basel. They found no association between RF EMF exposure and sleep disturbances or daytime sleepiness. This suggests that everyday RF EMF exposure at current environmental levels may not significantly impact sleep quality.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bornkessel C, Sauter C · 2010

German researchers studied nearly 400 people living near experimental cell towers to see if radio waves from base stations affect sleep quality. After monitoring participants for 12 nights with both real and fake tower signals, they found no measurable differences in sleep patterns between the two conditions. However, people who were worried about health risks from cell towers did sleep worse during all test nights, suggesting anxiety rather than electromagnetic fields was affecting their rest.

Exposure to wireless phone emissions and serum beta-trace protein.

Hardell L, Söderqvist F, Carlberg M, Zetterberg H, Mild KH. · 2010

Researchers measured beta-trace protein, a key enzyme that produces the brain's natural sleep hormone, in 62 young adults who used wireless phones. They found that people who had used wireless phones longer had lower levels of this sleep-promoting protein in their blood. This provides a potential biological explanation for why some people experience sleep problems when exposed to cell phone radiation.

Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study.

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bornkessel C, Sauter C. · 2010

German researchers exposed 397 residents to real and fake cell tower signals (900 MHz and 1,800 MHz) over 12 nights to test whether the electromagnetic fields affect sleep quality. They found no measurable differences in sleep patterns between real and fake exposure nights, but people who worried about health risks from cell towers had worse sleep even during fake exposure nights.

Exposure to wireless phone emissions and serum β-trace protein

Hardell L, Söderqvist F, Carlberg M, Zetterberg H, Mild KH · 2010

Researchers measured β-trace protein (a brain-produced protein that helps regulate sleep) in 62 young adults and found that people who used wireless phones longer had lower levels of this protein in their blood. When participants were exposed to cell phone radiation for 30 minutes in a lab setting, their β-trace protein didn't change significantly, but unexposed participants showed increased levels over the same time period.

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones (GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS) on the macrostructure of sleep.

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bahr A, Anderer P, Sauter C. · 2010

German researchers exposed 30 healthy men to cell phone radiation during sleep for multiple nights. While some minor statistical differences in sleep patterns occurred, these changes were minimal and didn't indicate meaningful sleep disruption, suggesting current safety limits don't harm sleep quality.

Exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA in primary cultured neurons.

Xu S et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain neurons to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 24 hours and found it damaged mitochondrial DNA-the genetic material in cells' energy centers. The radiation created harmful molecules that reduced neurons' ability to produce energy, suggesting potential cellular harm from prolonged exposure.

Effects of 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on superoxide radical anion formation and HSP70 induction in human K562 cells.

Mannerling AC, Simkó M, Mild KH, Mattsson MO · 2010

Researchers exposed human blood cells to 50-Hz magnetic fields at household appliance levels for one hour. The exposure doubled stress protein production and increased harmful oxygen radicals by 30-40%, indicating cellular damage at magnetic field strengths commonly found near home electronics.

Exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA in primary cultured neurons

Xu S et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain neurons to cell phone-frequency radiation (1800 MHz) at levels similar to heavy phone use and found it damaged the DNA inside cellular powerhouses called mitochondria. The radiation increased markers of DNA damage by 24 hours and reduced the neurons' ability to produce energy. Importantly, the antioxidant melatonin completely prevented this damage, suggesting oxidative stress was the underlying cause.

Exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA in primary cultured neurons.

Xu S et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain neurons to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz and found it damaged mitochondrial DNA, the genetic material in cells' energy centers. The radiation increased DNA damage markers and reduced healthy mitochondrial genes. This suggests cell phone radiation may harm brain cells' power-producing structures.

Association of tinnitus and electromagnetic hypersensitivity: hints for a shared pathophysiology?

Landgrebe M, Frick U, Hauser S, Hajak G, Langguth B. · 2009

German researchers compared 89 people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) to 107 matched controls to examine connections between EMF sensitivity and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They found that tinnitus occurred in 50.7% of EHS patients versus only 17.5% of controls - nearly three times higher. The researchers suggest both conditions may stem from an overactive brain stress network rather than direct EMF exposure effects.

Mobile phone base stations and adverse health effects: phase 2 of a cross-sectional study with measured radio frequency electromagnetic fields.

Berg-Beckhoff G et al. · 2009

German researchers measured actual radiofrequency radiation levels around cell phone towers and surveyed 3,526 people about their health symptoms. They found no connection between measured radiation exposure and health problems like sleep disturbances, headaches, or mental health issues. However, people who believed the towers were making them sick did report more symptoms, suggesting psychological factors may play a role in perceived health effects.

Alterations of human electroencephalographic activity caused by multiple extremely low frequency magnetic field exposures.

Cvetkovic D, Cosic I. · 2009

Researchers exposed 33 people to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ranging from 4 to 50 Hz) and measured their brain waves using EEG. They found that specific magnetic field frequencies could alter brain wave patterns in corresponding frequency bands - for example, 10 Hz magnetic fields changed alpha brain waves (8-12 Hz). The changes depended on timing and sequence of exposure, suggesting these fields can influence brain activity in predictable ways.

Alterations of human electroencephalographic activity caused by multiple extremely low frequency magnetic field exposures

Cvetkovic D, Cosic I. · 2009

Researchers exposed 33 people to extremely low frequency magnetic fields at different frequencies (4-50 Hz) for 2 minutes each and measured their brain waves using EEG. They found that magnetic fields at specific frequencies could synchronize with and alter corresponding brain wave patterns, particularly in the alpha and beta frequency ranges. This suggests that magnetic fields can directly influence brain activity in measurable ways.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Effects of mobile phone electromagnetic fields at nonthermal SAR values on melatonin and body weight of Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

Lerchl A et al. · 2008

German researchers exposed hamsters to cell phone radiation 24 hours a day for 60 days at levels matching the maximum allowed for humans. While melatonin levels (the sleep hormone) remained unchanged, hamsters exposed to certain frequencies gained up to 6% more body weight than unexposed animals, suggesting the radiation may affect metabolism even at supposedly safe levels.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Influence of Electromagnetic Fields Emitted by GSM-900 Cellular Telephones on the Circadian Patterns of Gonadal, Adrenal and Pituitary Hormones in Men.

Djeridane Y, Touitou Y, de Seze R. · 2008

French researchers exposed 20 healthy men to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily over 4 weeks and measured their hormone levels around the clock. They found temporary decreases in growth hormone (28%) and cortisol (12%) during exposure, but these changes disappeared after stopping exposure and all hormone levels stayed within normal ranges. The study suggests that typical cell phone use may cause minor, reversible changes to certain hormones but doesn't disrupt the body's overall hormone system.

Use of wireless telephones and self-reported health symptoms: a population-based study among Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years.

Soderqvist F, Carlberg M, Hardell L. · 2008

Swedish researchers surveyed 2,000 teenagers about their wireless phone use and health symptoms. They found that regular users of mobile and cordless phones reported more health problems including tiredness, headaches, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances compared to less frequent users. Nearly all teens (99.6%) had access to mobile phones, with girls using them more frequently than boys.

Adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use.

Khan MM. · 2008

Researchers surveyed 286 medical students about their mobile phone use and health symptoms. They found that 44% of students linked their health problems to phone use, with the most common complaints being memory problems (41%), sleep issues (39%), and concentration difficulties (34%). The study suggests that even moderate daily phone use may be associated with multiple neurological and physical symptoms.

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.