Correlation between Base Transceiver Station and the Quality of Sleep and Life of Nearby Residents

Introduction: Electromagnetic waves that are of higher energy than visible light transmit information between mobile phones and antennas BTS (Base Transceivers Station). The increasing use of mobile phones due to the proliferation of antennas is a matter of concern. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between distance from the BTS antennas and the quality of sleep and life of nearby residents. Material and Methods: For the assessment of the quality of sleep, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality standard questionnaire (PSQI) was used. On the other hand, the 12-item Short -Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to assess the quality of life. This questionnaire contains two parameters: Mental Health Composite Scores (MCS) and Physical Health Composite Scores (PCS). Results: The analysis of the data obtained from 810 people indicated that the most sleep disturbance and the minimum average MCS score (p <0.05) were detected in the residents who were living within 50-100 meters from the antenna. Moreover, it was found that the average PCS score was lower among those residing within 100-200 meters from the antenna, as compared to other residents. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that exposure to electromagnetic waves can affect sleep quality, as well as the mental and physical life qualities of the residents depending on the distance from BTS. Antennas implant must be set in patterns that have the lowest intensity in terms of beam convergences for all residents.

Keywords:

Electromagnetic Waves , BTS , Sleep Quality , Quality of life