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Published 02 Feb, 2008 12:00am

Cell phones giving sleepless nights

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.

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