Occupational electromagnetic field exposure and sleep disturbances: The predominant role of high-frequency electric fields

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous and include low-frequency magnetic fields (LF-MF) from alternating currents, low-frequency electric fields (LF-EF) from wiring and equipment, and high-frequency electric fields (HF-EF) from wireless technologies and broadcast antennas. Bus drivers are exposed to an EMF mixture and report higher rates of sleep disorders than the general population. This study aimed to examine associations between sleep disturbances and cumulative occupational EMF exposure over 12 months, considering individual components and the mixture. EMF exposure estimates from the Swiss bus-exposure matrix were matched to the occupational history of 351 TRAPHEAC study bus drivers. Sleep quality, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) were assessed using the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire. Associations with cumulative EMF exposure were evaluated using multivariable linear regression controlled for age, sex, occupational noise, and nightshift work, and heat exposure. Mixture effects were analyzed with Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), and the influence of non-occupational EMF exposure was examined via stratification. Multivariable linear regression showed positive associations of HF-EF, but not LF-EF or LF-MF, with insomnia and EDS, although models explained little variance. BKMR confirmed the predominance of HF-EF in the mixture effect, with a positive but statistically non-significant dose-response for the EMF mixture. Stratified analyses suggested stronger associations among drivers with low non-occupational EMF exposure.