Radiation: An invisible danger? Discover the facts and myths

Radiation... The invisible enemy

Radiation is all around us—it comes from our smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and even LED lights. But what effect does all this radiation actually have on our health? It's a question that concerns many people, especially now that we are spending more and more time in a world full of technology. What kind of radiation should we be wary of, and how can we limit its effects? We explain it all below, so keep reading. Tip: take your laptop off your lap 😉

Although there is not yet a great deal of concrete research on the long-term effects of radiation, also known as electromagnetic radiation (EMF), we do know some things about the short-term effects, and they do not bode well for the long term. Cancer, infertility, headaches, and poor sleep... These are certainly not minor consequences!

What is electromagnetic radiation?
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are physical phenomena that occur when electric currents flow through conductors or when electrical devices are in operation. These fields consist of electric and magnetic components that together form energy and travel through space in waves. EMF can be generated by a wide range of sources, including electrical wiring, appliances, radio and television transmitters, and wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and mobile networks. All devices emit EMF, but some more than others. If you are interested in finding out which sources in your environment generate a lot of EMF, you can order an EMF meter for around €30.

You won't believe how much EMF you are exposed to on a daily basis.

Ever wondered how much electromagnetic radiation (EMF) you actually encounter on a normal day? The surprise lies in everyday things. Here is a list of some common sources of EMF that you may overlook.

• Cell phones and smartphones: Those handy little devices you take with you everywhere? They emit more radiation than you think!
• Wi-Fi routers and wireless networks: Your beloved Wi-Fi, always faithful and present, but did you know that it creates an EMF feast?
• Bluetooth devices: Headphones , AirPods, and Bluetooth sleep masks: Wireless convenience comes at a price, and that price is EMF. But hey, your music sounds great, right?
• Electrical appliances: TVs, computers, and refrigerators: The heroes of our modern lives, but secretly also sources of EMF that steal the show.
• Electrical wiring in homes and buildings: The silent force behind your lighting and appliances, but they have a secret identity as EMF emitters.
• High-voltage power lines and transformer stations: They bring power to our homes, but also a dose of EMF that you can't ignore.
• Radio and TV transmission towers: They provide your daily dose of entertainment, but did you know that they also spread EMF in the air?
• LED bulbs: The energy-efficient heroes of lighting, but they emit more than just light!

More and more companies are protecting people from the (potential) adverse effects of radiation. Apple is one such company, which has included the following in the online manual for the iPhone since 2023:

“Do not sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it is connected to a power source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging. Take special care if you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the body.”

So how exactly does radiation work?

When people think of radiation, they immediately think of nuclear weapons and Chernobyl, but we are exposed to radiation every second of every day. Electromagnetic radiation (EMF) can be harmful to health, but the extent of the damage can be influenced by various factors, including the distance between the body and the source of EMF.

In general, the closer the EMF source is to the body, the higher the level of EMF exposure will be and the greater the potential harmful effects may be. This is because the intensity of EMF decreases as the distance between the source and the body increases. So if you are close to an EMF source, the level of exposure may be high enough to cause certain health effects.

One example of this is the use of mobile phones. When you hold a mobile phone to your ear, the source of EMF is very close to your head and brain. This can lead to relatively high exposure to EMF, which, according to some studies, can cause health problems such as headaches and sleep disorders. On the other hand, if you hold the cell phone a few inches away from your head, the exposure to EMF will be much lower and so will the potential risks. For example, there is already a 98% difference between holding a phone next to your ear and holding it on speaker in your hand (about 30 cm away from your head).

In short, the closer the EMF source is to the body, the greater the potential damage can be. It is therefore important to take precautions and limit exposure to EMF, especially when the source is close to the body (PMID: 25340654).

So we want to limit radiation! But how do we do that?

• Laptop on a desk, not on your lap:In addition to radiation, the laptop is also resting on your genitals, with all the (possible) adverse consequences that entails. There are also EMF blocker mats available. These can be used so that you can still use your laptop on your lap. (At the end of the Alina Sleep Advice E-book, we refer to a good EMF blocker mat).
• Don't use AirPods: Yes, you heard right; throw those things away. In addition to the high level of EMF, the pods are also located in the ears, which are next to the brain and the vestibular system. To top it all off, the two AirPods connect to each other, meaning that this connection goes straight through the brain.
• Do not use the phone while it is charging.
• Avoid wireless chargers.
• Do not put your phone in your pocket: (If you do, turn on airplane mode)
• Do not hold the phone too close to your head: Use the speaker, for example.
• Turn off the Wi-Fi router in the evening.
• Unplug all devices in the bedroom.*

*We can hear you asking yourselves: "But what about my alarm clock?" Here's the perfect solution: a mechanical alarm clock!

EMF and its impact on sleep
EMF can disrupt melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that induces sleep (read all about sleep hormoneshere ). During sleep, EMF can increase brain activity. EMF is nothing more than frequency. Our brains can pick up and transmit frequencies. EMF can therefore increase our brain activity. This is something you don't want during sleep.

But how do we limit EMF to promote sleep? We do this by removing all devices from the bedroom: no phone, no digital alarm clock, no laptop, etc. We also unplug all devices from the power outlet. As the icing on the cake, we switch off the WiFi router. The amount of EMF emitted varies per device. We prefer to err on the side of caution and remove everything.

Modern problems require modern solutions.

One of the first recommendations is 'grounding', because this can discharge your body of excess electricity. We discussed this in detail in our blog about grounding, where you can find in-depth information. Grounding can be done in various ways, such as by touching grass or swimming in the sea, but we no longer sleep on the ground as we did thousands of years ago. That is why we now have a revolutionary product: the Alina grounding sheet.

Grounding, grounding sheets... You're probably wondering what this hippie is talking about. But these grounding sheets can make a huge difference to your sleep. These mats are made of conductive material and can be connected to a grounding point or grounded outlet. When a person touches the mat, it allows them to ground themselves and absorb electrons. Many people are afraid of this, as the mat is connected to the power outlet. However, apart from contact with the grounding pins, there is no contact with the power grid. So there is no risk of electric shock. In fact, if you do get an electric shock while lying on the mat, this energy will be passed through the power outlet to the ground. The mat is therefore completely safe.

So, the grounding sheet is the solution! You can use it while you sleep. Effective? Check! Grounded sleeping ensures that most EMF is discharged via the grounding sheet. Does this mean you can sleep with your phone under your pillow? No, absolutely not. The tips for limiting EMF still apply and should be the basis. Think of the grounding sheet as the icing on the cake, intended for people who want to get the most out of their night!

The Alina grounding sheet is designed in such a way that it can fit around a double bed. We are seeing more and more grounding sheets on the market, but these are separate mats. We have used these in the past. However, this is not an option, especially for those of us who sleep restlessly. That is why we now have a grounding cover that does not move around. It is also washable!

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