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Dependence of a sleeping parameter from the N-S or E-W sleeping direction
G Ruhenstroth-Bauer1, E Rüther, T Reinertshofer
1Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, Martinsried bei München.
Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of Biosciences
|September 1, 1987
Summary
The Earth's magnetic field may influence human sleep. Sleeping in an East-West direction shortened REM latency, suggesting a magnetic sense in humans.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Human Physiology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Earlier studies demonstrated Lorentz forces rotating a salt solution in a cytopherometer when exposed to crossed electric and magnetic fields.
- This phenomenon served as a model for magnetic field detection in organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential effect of the Earth's magnetic field on human sleep patterns.
- To explore if human sleep architecture is sensitive to geomagnetic field orientation.
Main Methods:
- The study examined the duration of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) latency in human sleepers.
- Sleepers' positions were analyzed in relation to North-South (N-S) and East-West (E-W) geomagnetic field directions.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant shortening of REM latency was observed when sleepers were oriented in the E-W direction (p = 0.02).
- This indicates a directional influence of the geomagnetic field on sleep onset.
Conclusions:
- The Earth's magnetic field appears to influence human sleep, specifically affecting REM sleep onset.
- These findings suggest a potential human sensitivity to geomagnetic field orientation, possibly linked to biological magnetic sense mechanisms.