Seen in the Independent:
Radiation from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep, and causes headaches and confusion, according to a new study.
The research, sponsored by the mobile phone companies themselves, shows that using the handsets before bed causes people to take longer to reach the deeper stages of sleep and to spend less time in them, interfering with the body’s ability to repair damage suffered during the day.[...]
The scientists studied 35 men and 36 women aged between 18 and 45. Some were exposed to radiation that exactly mimicked what is received when using mobile phones; others were placed in precisely the same conditions, but given only “sham” exposure, receiving no radiation at all.
The people who had received the radiation took longer to enter the first of the deeper stages of sleep, and spent less time in the deepest one. The scientists concluded: “The study indicates that during laboratory exposure to 884 MHz wireless signals components of sleep believed to be important for recovery from daily wear and tear are adversely affected.”
When I first encountered the article, my reaction was “of course folks who use cell phones just before going to bed won’t sleep as well”. In today’s society, we seem to have an epidemic of poor sleep hygiene, and it’s entirely reasonable to think that in many (most?) folks, the stimulation of a telephone conversation at bedtime is likely to interfere with the relaxation that helps ease a person into sleep.
However, considering the study methodology… well, I can’t help but wonder about all the wireless gadgetry in our house.
Of course, considering that my wife’s TBI impacted her ability to have a regular sleep cycle, and the resulting chaos that imposes on our lives… I can think of easier explanations for my occasional exhaustion. 
1 response so far ↓
1 tsm // 24 Jan 2008 at 7:12 am
I hardly think a study of 71 people can provide conclusive evidence of any problem. Come on…what kind of scientist would use such a small group for a study that has huge implications.