Cell phones giving sleepless nights

Published February 2, 2008

A recent study, funded by mobile phone companies, found that radiation from the handset can cause insomnia, headaches and confusion, according to BBC News. The research also suggested that if you have to make a phone call in the evening then using landline is a better option. Also, it would also be smart not to keep the mobile set close to bedside while sleeping.

The study was carried out by Sweden`s Karolinska Institute and Wayne State University in the US. Funded by the Mobile Manufacturers Forum, scientists studied 35 men and 36 women aged between 18 and 45.

Some of the subjects were exposed to radiation equivalent to that received when using a mobile phone; while others were placed in the same conditions, but given only `sham` exposure. The results showed that people who were exposed to radiation took a lot of time to enter the first deeper stage of sleep, and remained in it for a very short time.

According to scientists, 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.

“The study strongly suggests that mobile phone use is associated with specific changes in the areas of the brain responsible for activating and coordinating the stress system,” said Researcher Professor Bengt Arnetz.

Another study that was carried out in last September showed that the use of mobile phone posed no short-term risk to the brain. However, there was the possibility that long-term use may increase the risk of cancer.

Opinion

Editorial

Bilateral progress
Updated 18 Oct, 2024

Bilateral progress

Dialogue with India should be uninterruptible and should cover all sticking points standing in the way of better ties.
Bracing for impact
18 Oct, 2024

Bracing for impact

CLIMATE change is here to stay. As Pakistan confronts serious structural imbalances, recurring natural calamities ...
Unfair burden
18 Oct, 2024

Unfair burden

THINGS are improving, or so we have been told. Where this statement applies to macroeconomic indicators, it can be...
Successful summit
Updated 17 Oct, 2024

Successful summit

Platforms like SCO present an opportunity for states to set aside narrow differences.
Failed tax target
17 Oct, 2024

Failed tax target

THE government’s plan to document retailers for tax purposes through its ‘voluntary’ Tajir Dost Scheme appears...
More questions
17 Oct, 2024

More questions

THE alleged rape of a student at a private college in Lahore has sparked confusion, social media campaigns, ...