Being chronically online comes with its own set of challenges, sure, but are they limited to just looking inside tiny phone screens? If you’re in the habit of staying up late and scrolling through your devices for hours, you’re leaving your Wi-Fi signal on and off all night. How does it affect your health? Indianexpress.com spoke to health experts and found out some precautions you can take to avoid complications in the long run.
Dr Shyamlal S, Group Coordinator and Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, KimHealth said that keeping Wi-Fi on while sleeping is generally not harmful, but there are some considerations when it comes to electromagnetic fields (EMF). He said there is no Wi-Fi signal or any solid scientific evidence EMFs emitted by routers Harms human health. Wi-Fi operates at low power levels, far below what is considered harmful. But if you’re concerned about potential long-term exposure to EMFs, you can turn it off at night as a precaution, even though the risks are unproven. “Some people also think that Wi-Fi affects the quality of their sleep, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim,” he added.
According to him, most modern routers have scheduling features that allow you to automatically turn off Wi-Fi at certain times. In such cases it is advisable to use that facility to reduce your anxiety. “If you’re concerned about EMF exposure, place the router at least a few feet away from where you sleep,” he said. In most cases, Dr Shyamlal says it’s fine to keep Wi-Fi on while sleeping and it doesn’t pose any major risks.
Do you unplug your WiFi router at night? (Source: Freepik)
Dr Prashant Makhija, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, said Wi-Fi signals are low energy and not strong enough to cause harm. “Some people may report symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping, often referred to as “electrosensitivity.” However, these symptoms have not been definitively linked to Wi-Fi exposure by scientific studies.
A key consideration is the role of sleep. Proximity to a Wi-Fi router can disrupt sleep patterns due to electromagnetic fields that potentially interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm. A 2011 study found that exposure to EMFs can lead to poor sleep quality, although the long-term effects of such exposure remain inconclusive.
“When it comes to long-term exposure, studies on EMF from other sources, such as Wi-Fi and cell phones, have been conducted to assess possible links to more serious health problems, including cancer. Some studies have raised concerns about an increased risk of brain cancer, but most research has found Wi-Fi “Fi does not conclusively prove that RF exposure at specific levels of routers poses a significant health risk,” he added.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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