Effects of WiFi Exposure on Sleep in Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Effects of Wifi exposure on sleep and sleep-related memory consolidation are investigated in a double-blind, sham-controlled fully counterbalanced study design in young healthy women.

Detailed Description
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Introduction: Since several years Wireless Local Networks (WLAN, WiFi) are widely spread and operated in households. Many people feel that the presence of radiofrequency technologies impairs their health. Sleep problems are among the most often complained complaints. The present study aims to contribute to answer the question, whether biological effects of a WiFi exposure can be assessed by objective measures. The results of this study will expand the database on possible acute effects of WiFi exposure and thus qualitatively contribute to the discussion whether sleep is affected by exposure from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Methods: A double-blind, sham-controlled experiment in the sleep laboratory with exposure conditions delivered in a balanced randomized cross-over design. Subjective sleep quality of volunteers is assessed by questionnaires. Macro- and microstructure of sleep are measured by polysomnography. Furthermore, a possible impact on sleep related memory consolidation is tested. To do so declarative, procedural and emotional memory tasks are used. Exposure is delivered by a specially developed system, which simulates field strengths and signals occurring in a subject sleeping in the close proximity of a WiFi-access point. This exposure system is necessary to allow for a double-blind implementation and monitoring as well as for the realization of defined exposure parameters. The study aims to analyse possible sex differences in WiFi exposure effects on sleep and sleep related memory consolidation.

Official Title
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Effects of WiFi Exposure on Sleep and Sleep Related Memory Consolidation in Young Healthy Women

Conditions
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Sleep

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: radio frequency electromagnetic fields


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Only right-handed non-smokers Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score < 5 no extreme morning/evening preference [Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) score ≥ 31 or ≤ 69 no indication of depression or somatic symptoms as assessed by a medical examination and validated questionnaires [Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9 and PHQ-15) scores ≤ 5 and ≤ 10, respectively Exclusion Criteria: history of a psychiatric disorder, history of a neurological and/or sleep disorder excessive daytime sleepiness [Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score > 9; non-regular sleep-wake schedule as assessed by a sleep diary a regular intake of medication that affects the central nervous system, excessive caffeine and/or alcohol consumption, regular and occasional drug use, metal implants periodic leg movement arousal index > 10/h in the Adaptation night apnoea-hypopnoea-index > 5/h in the Adaptation night.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Experimental: WiFi - Sham<br>first intervention WiFi, second intervention sham | Other: radio frequency electromagnetic fields<br>* Exposure system delivers emissions comparable to those from a WiFi access Point close to the bed or sham (no exposure)<br>|
| Experimental: Experimental: Sham - WiFi<br>first Intervention sham, second Intervention WiFi | Other: radio frequency electromagnetic fields<br>* Exposure system delivers emissions comparable to those from a WiFi access Point close to the bed or sham (no exposure)<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sleep Efficiency index | (total Sleep time in % of time in bed) | 8 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| declarative memory | number of remembered word pairs in the Word Association Task | 8 hours | 
| Sleep EEG power | EEG power in the spindle frequency range | 8 hours |