Electromagnetic waves are all around us, and while they are invisible, they can be harmful to our health. From power lines to our phones, we are exposed to electromagnetic radiation daily, and it is important to reduce our exposure to these waves, especially in our bedrooms. Here are some ways to neutralize electromagnetic waves in your bedroom.
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Use shielding materials such as special paints, window films, fabrics, canopies, curtains and meshes
Shielding materials are an effective way to protect yourself from electromagnetic fields and radiation. Here are some ways to use these materials to block electromagnetic waves in your bedroom:
Paints
Special reflective paints can be used to coat walls and floors, reducing radiation from external sources such as cell phone masts and wireless routers. These paints are made with a conductive composition, reflecting more than 99% of wireless radiation. They are also effective against low-frequency electric fields from wires and appliances.
Window Films
Window films with a metal coating are another option for blocking electromagnetic waves. They are placed on windows to reduce radiation from external sources. Windows are the most vulnerable points for wireless radiation penetration, so these films can significantly lower radiation levels.
Fabrics
Electromagnetic shielding fabrics can be used to block electromagnetic waves. These fabrics are designed to reflect or absorb wireless radiation. They can be placed under furniture or used as curtains to cover windows and walls. Fabrics like Swiss Shield Naturell Ultra and Naturell are externally conductive and groundable, providing protection against high-frequency electromagnetic waves and lower-frequency magnetic fields.
Canopies
Bed canopies made of shielding materials can protect you from electromagnetic waves while sleeping. They create a private space that blocks radiation from all directions except the bottom. Using a canopy is a practical solution, especially if you cannot shield the walls, ceiling, or windows.
Curtains
Special curtains with metal threads can also be used to block electromagnetic waves. These curtains have wafer-thin metal threads incorporated into the fabric, reflecting incoming electromagnetic waves. Ensure the curtains overlap the wall opening on both sides by at least 20 centimetres for effective shielding.
Meshes
Special stainless steel meshes can be placed on walls that have not yet been plastered or floors that have not been laid. This mesh is durable and can be used outdoors, providing an additional layer of protection against electromagnetic waves.
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Turn off Wi-Fi routers, especially at bedtime
Turning off your Wi-Fi router at bedtime is one of the most effective ways to reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and improve your sleep quality. Here are some reasons why you should make it a habit to turn off your Wi-Fi router every night:
Reduce EMF Exposure
EMF radiation from Wi-Fi routers is a significant contributor to the overall EMF levels in your bedroom. By turning off your Wi-Fi router at night, you eliminate this source of radiation, reducing your cumulative EMF exposure. This is especially important given that we spend a significant amount of time sleeping, and prolonged exposure to EMF radiation is linked to various health issues.
Improve Sleep Quality
EMF radiation can interfere with your brain waves and disrupt your sleep. Turning off your Wi-Fi router at bedtime helps you achieve deeper, more restful sleep. This is because EMF exposure can disrupt melatonin production and your circadian rhythm, which are crucial for a good night's rest. Reducing EMF exposure at night may lead to more vivid dreams and make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Health Benefits
Decades of research have linked prolonged exposure to EMF radiation to a range of health problems, from sleep disorders to chronic illnesses. By turning off your Wi-Fi router at night, you can reduce your risk of these health issues. Lower EMF exposure may lead to improved overall health and well-being, including reduced risk of cancer, DNA damage, and male infertility.
Save Energy and Money
Wi-Fi routers consume a significant amount of electricity, and turning them off at night can lead to substantial energy savings. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), turning off Wi-Fi routers when not in use could save up to $300 million in energy costs annually in the United States alone. So, turning off your Wi-Fi router is not just good for your health but also your wallet!
Enhance Security
Turning off your Wi-Fi router at night improves your personal security. When your Wi-Fi is off, it cannot be hacked, providing an extra layer of protection for your personal information and data. This simple step can give you greater peace of mind while you sleep.
In conclusion, turning off your Wi-Fi router at bedtime is a simple yet powerful step towards creating a healthier and more secure sleeping environment. It reduces EMF exposure, improves sleep quality, offers health benefits, saves energy and money, and enhances your personal security. By making this a nightly habit, you'll be taking a proactive approach to protect your health and well-being.
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Keep electronic appliances away from the bed
Electromagnetic waves, or EMFs, are a natural and human-made phenomenon, with the latter being a product of modern life. These waves are generated by any device that uses electricity, from power lines to household appliances.
EMFs are linked to a range of health issues, from stress and immune suppression to reproductive issues and even cancer. They can also impact your sleep by disrupting melatonin production and your circadian rhythm.
- Move one or two electronic appliances away from the bed. A good place to start is with lamps, alarm clocks, and phone chargers, which are often placed right next to beds.
- Avoid placing any wires near or under your bed. This includes wires from lamps and alarm clocks. Opt for a clip-on book light for reading, and if you need an alarm clock, choose a battery-powered one or place it across the room.
- Don't use electric blankets. They provide a layer of warmth, but also a layer of EMF radiation. Instead, use a heavier comforter or opt for flannel sheets.
- Don't sleep on a metal coil mattress. Metal coils act like antennas, pulling in and amplifying EMF radiation from devices like your WiFi router and Bluetooth gadgets. Choose a mattress without metal coils, like memory foam or natural latex, or a platform bed that doesn't need a box spring.
- Keep your bed away from the wall. The further you are from the wires inside the walls, the weaker the EMF exposure.
- Turn off your WiFi router at night. Keeping it on 24/7 leads to significant cumulative EMF exposure.
- Unplug and move powered devices away from your bed. Devices like clocks emit a subtle magnetic field that can adversely impact biological systems.
- Turn off the breaker switches to your bedroom circuits at night. This will help reduce electric fields in your bedroom.
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Don't use electric blankets
Electric blankets are a common source of EMF radiation in the bedroom. They are also a fire hazard and can cause burns.
If you are thinking of buying an electric blanket, don't! There are safer ways to stay warm.
Firstly, electric blankets emit EMF radiation. While scientists disagree on how harmful EMFs are, it is clear that you don't want a product that emits EMFs to be in direct contact with your body for extended periods. This is especially true in the bedroom, as EMF exposure can disrupt your melatonin production and circadian rhythm, which your body relies on for deep, restful sleep.
Secondly, electric blankets pose a fire risk. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), nearly 500 fires are caused each year by electric heating blankets and heating pads. This risk is minimal if you are using a new electric blanket, but it is still important to regularly inspect the wires to prevent safety hazards.
Thirdly, electric blankets can cause burns, especially for those with diabetes, circulation issues, or altered temperature receptors, such as older adults. This is because they may be less sensitive to heat levels and therefore unable to feel if the blanket is getting too hot.
So, what are some safer alternatives to keep you warm at night?
- Use a heavier comforter or a down duvet.
- Opt for flannel sheets or cosy sweatshirt sheets, which trap insulating air pockets.
- Turn up the heat a little at night.
- Wear socks or even a beanie to bed.
- Slip a hot water bottle under your blanket for extra warmth.
- Preheat your bed with an electric blanket, then switch it off before you get in.
By following these simple steps, you can create a warm and cosy bedroom without the health and safety risks associated with electric blankets.
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Don't sleep on a metal coil mattress
There are many ways to reduce electromagnetic waves in your bedroom, from switching off your Wi-Fi router at night to keeping your phone on airplane mode while you sleep. One important thing to consider is your mattress.
Metal coil mattresses, or mattresses with innersprings, have been the subject of some controversy in recent years. A 2010 blog post on the *Scientific American* website misinterpreted a Swedish study, claiming that the metal coils in mattresses act as antennas, amplifying electromagnetic waves and increasing the likelihood of cancer. This claim has been widely discredited, with the original study actually suggesting that the coils attenuate waves and decrease the incidence of cancer.
However, it is worth noting that the metal coils in your mattress can still attract electromagnetic waves from devices like your Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth gadgets. These waves can become trapped and channelled up towards your body.
To reduce this potential exposure, you could consider switching to a mattress without metal coils, such as memory foam or natural latex. Alternatively, you could opt for a platform bed that doesn't require a box spring. By making this simple change, you can create a healthier sleep environment and gain peace of mind.
In addition to choosing a different type of mattress, there are other steps you can take to further reduce electromagnetic waves in your bedroom. These include turning off your Wi-Fi router at night, moving electronic appliances away from your bed, and unplugging powered devices before bedtime. By combining these strategies, you can effectively minimise your exposure to electromagnetic waves and create a more relaxing space for sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reduce electromagnetic waves by turning off your Wi-Fi router at night, moving electronic appliances away from your bed, and turning off electronic devices that are not in use.
You can use special shielding materials such as reflective paints, window films, fabrics, canopies, curtains, and meshes. These materials can reflect or absorb electromagnetic waves, reducing their impact on your bedroom.
Electromagnetic waves can disrupt melatonin production and your circadian rhythm, leading to reduced sleep quality and efficiency.
Common sources include Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, electrical wiring, lamps, alarm clocks, and phone chargers.
Yes, exposure to electromagnetic waves has been linked to various health issues, including stress, immune suppression, reproductive problems, and in some cases, even cancer.