Effects of weak low-frequency electromagnetic field on sleep structure during daytime sleep

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that weak electromagnetic fields of low frequencies (0.5-26 Hz) could affect daytime sleep features and structure. Parameters of daytime sleep continuity were compared in the study with counterbalanced control/exposition (40 min exposure to electromagnetic field at 1 Hz/0.004 μT) scheme in 22 healthy volunteers. Nonlinear regression model was used to assess daytime sleep continuity. Exposure to a weak electromagnetic field of ultra-low frequency significantly improved the quality of sleep, assessed by the indicator of sleep continuity, namely, there were fewer transitions from the second and deeper stages of sleep to the first stage and to the state of wakefulness (p<0.0001). The results can be used to develop non-pharmacological methods of sleep correction, as well as to improve the quality of short-term sleep and its positive effect on well-being, cognitive function and working capacity.