Overview

The rapid introduction of 5G technology raises significant public health questions, particularly concerning its potential neurophysiological effects during sleep. This study offers new insights into how 5G RF-EMF interacts with the human sleep cycle, focusing on electroencephalogram (EEG) changes.

Background

Previous research on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has shown effects on EEG during non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, such as increases in the spindle frequency range. Emerging 5G technology, involving higher frequencies and different modulation schemes, prompted this study to investigate its unique effects on sleep quality and brain activity, particularly through interaction with genetic variants influencing calcium channels.

Objective

The research primarily investigates the modulation of EEG spindle activity by 5G RF-EMF in relation to the CACNA1C gene allele rs7304986, which affects the function of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LTCC), known to be involved in sleep regulation.

Methods

34 healthy, genetically tested participants were exposed to 5G RF-EMF.
Participants underwent a double-blind, sham-controlled study, using a standardized left-hemisphere exposure to two 5G RF-EMF frequencies before sleep.
EEG was analyzed using high-density equipment and the FOOOF algorithm to assess spindle activity.

Findings

A significant genotype-dependent effect on EEG spindle frequency was observed, notably with the 3.6 GHz exposure affecting participants with the T/C allele variant, indicating a faster spindle center frequency in certain brain regions compared to sham exposures. This suggests a complex interaction between genetic makeup and 5G RF-EMF exposure, influencing sleep architecture.

Conclusion

The study concludes that 3.6 GHz 5G RF-EMF can modulate spindle center frequency during NREM sleep in a manner dependent on CACNA1C genotype. This underscores the influence of LTCC in the physiological response to RF-EMF and the need for further detailed studies into the broader implications of 5G technology on human health.