Wondering whether is it safe to sleep near a wireless router? You will know after this guide!
Many people wonder whether it’s safe sleeping next to a WiFi router and the short answer is yes, but if you’re concerned we recommend knowing the full answer.
Sleeping near a wireless network router is considered safe due to the low amount of radio frequency (RF) radiation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RF radiation from wireless routers and WiFi modems does not represent a health risk.
Radio-Frequency Radiation from Network Routers!
The network routers emit very low levels of (RF) radiation, which is non-ionizing.
In contrast to x-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation doesn’t have enough power to remove electrons from the atoms or interfere with the atom nucleus in the elements.
According to numerous projects, scientific papers, and research, it’s proven that the radiation emitted by wireless routers is below the safety limit.
In fact, the RF radiation from routers is way below the limits that were established by the concerned authorities.
It’s clear that wireless routers don’t represent a danger since they are all the way back on the left side of the radiation spectrum.
However, other electronics such as the microwave emit much more RF radiation but it’s very unlikely for someone to sleep next to a working microwave.
Is It Safe To Sleep Near A Wireless Router
The WiFi routers use electromagnetic wireless communication on the radio frequency (RF) range.
This is the only way for routers to transmit and receive data wirelessly and this is why routers emit RF radiation in the first place.
If you have no medical record of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), then sleeping next to a working WiFi router is completely safe for you.
However, if you’re experiencing any sort of discomfort while sleeping next to a WiFi router, we recommend following the steps below!
Continuous WiFi RF Exposure?
There was much scientific research about the RF radiation on WiFi routers and whether it’s dangerous for non-sensitive individuals.
So far, the general consensus is that the WiFi radiation is below the safety standards and there is no convincing evidence supporting otherwise.
So, even if you’re sleeping next to your WiFi router every single night, there is no proof that the RF emitted will cause anything to you.
However, it’s certain that there is an amount of exposure.
Sleeping Near Many Routers?
Well, if you’re sleeping in the office or somewhere with many routers near you, of course, the RF exposure will be higher.
But again, the risk of something happening to you is very low when we take into consideration the nature of the radio-frequency radiation emitted by the WiFi routers.
Potential Radiation Health Risk?
Well, if we dig deeper and deeper into the possibilities, we’ll always end up finding some risks that we can logically relate to the radiation from the WiFi routers.
Let’s say that you’re going to sleep next to 10,000 routers (practically impossible), here’s what you’re going to experience:
- Cell damage – fatigue and shortness of breath.
- The inability to sleep or other sleep disruptions.
- Skin irritation and loss of appetite and smell.
- Itchiness, memory loss, lack of focus, and headache.
- Significant reduction in sperm count.
Is this possible? No. Will this happen to you if you sleep next to a router? Absolutely not.
Well, hypothetically, yes, exposure to an extreme amount of RF radiation is dangerous but not on a small scale such as one or even ten wireless routers.
Steps Against Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)
The steps below will help you know is it ok to sleep next to a WiFi router, and provide people with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) with steps to reduce the RF radiation.
The steps below are also recommended for people with clinical recommendations to avoid electronics!
1. Relocate the WiFi Router!
Keeping your head right next to the WiFi router while sleeping is considered safe, but not the brightest idea out there.
There are even many more downsides such as constant buzzing, lights flickering in the dark as well as the emitted heat.
- To reduce the RF radiation on you, relocate the WiFi router at least 3 feet away!
The distance is one of the main ways to reduce the RF radiation penetration on your cells, even if the effect is so low, even noticeable.
However, any symptoms as a result of EHS condition will be reduced after relocating your router away from your bed.
Note: The WiFi router works best when positioned high in the room and not near the floor or on the level of your head when you’re sleeping.
2. Turn the WiFi Router OFF
If you’re concerned about a medical condition where you’re recommended to keep away all electronics, we recommend turning the router off while sleeping.
Whenever the device is not working, the RF radiation is decreased to 0%, and you will no longer be under RF exposure.
- To turn off a WiFi router, press the power button or unplug from the power!
This is the safest way to reduce RF radiation during the night, for peace of mind.
In case turning the WiFi router is not an option for you and you’re sorely dependent on WiFi, continue reading!
3. Use Only Wired Connection
The reason why WiFi routers emit RF radiation is due to their wireless capabilities and the way they transmit and receive data.
Well, devices connected via Ethernet cable don’t really need WiFi during the night while you’re sleeping in order to receive and use the internet.
- If you sorely rely on WiFi in your home, skip this step!
Fortunately, there is a way to stop the WiFi of your router and continue using only wired internet, which reduces the RF radiation to 0%.
To disable the WiFi of your router you’ll need to get into the router’s control panel so follow the steps below to see exactly what you need to do…
- Your router must be connected to a PC via an Ethernet cable.
- On this computer, open a web browser such as “Chrome”.
- In the search field, insert “http://192.168.100.1/” and search.
- Log into your router using admin/admin or admin/password.
- Then navigate to the Wireless or Advanced Wireless Settings.
- Locate the toggle ON and OFF for your wireless network (WiFi).
- Switch your WiFi router’s network to “OFF” and then “Save”.
Note: In the morning, you can simply re-do the changes to enable your WiFi again!
4. Use RF Shielding!
In case you didn’t know, the so-called “RF Shields” are being sold freely on the market and can potentially help you sleep safer near your WiFi router.
The “shields” are typically a fabric that is claimed to reduce the RF radiation from various everyday appliances by covering them.
It’s unclear how effective they are but you can purchase one and find out.
The most practical piece of RF shield we’ve found is the Faraday Fabric-EMI Shield WiFi/RF Radiation, which you can use to cover your router while you’re sleeping.
Note: It’s very hard, even impossible to measure the RF radiation before and after shielding!
Are You Worried for Your Health?
If you’ve been sleeping next to your router for a while now and experiencing weird symptoms, we recommend seeking clinical attention as soon as possible.
Chances of being impacted by the WiFi router’s RF radiation are minimal but some people suffer extreme RF sensitivity.
The radiation dose of sleeping next to a WiFi router is minimal and wouldn’t affect the health of an individual without any clinical conditions.
This is why a consultation with a doctor is important if you feel any sort of discomfort while sleeping next to a router.
Reminder: Don’t panic!
Quick Recap:
To wrap up and answer whether is it safe to sleep near a wireless router we must say that to people with no medical sensitivity to electronics, it’s completely safe.
However, even a tiny amount of RF radiation in routers might rarely produce symptoms in individuals.
So, it doesn’t matter if your router has two or four antennas, whether it’s big or small, or whether it’s covered with a blanket or not. The RF radiation emitted from WiFi routers is simply too weak!
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.