The Effect of Occupational Exposure to Magnetic Fields on Sleep Quality among Workers in a Combined Cycle Power Plant: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: 
Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields has attracted attention due to potential health effects. This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of static magnetic fields (SMFs) exposure on the sleep quality of workers in a combined cycle power plant.
Methods: 
A total of 185 workers participated in this study. Magnetic flux density was measured using the calibrated HI-3550 magnetic field personal monitor. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire was employed to assess the sleep quality. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 19 software, employing ANOVA, logistic regression, and Chi-square statistical tests.
Results: 
The participants had an average age of 42.16 ± 5.03 years and an average work experience of 15.29 ± 3.38 years. The average magnetic flux density of the SMF, measured at 22.65 ± 2.23 m. The average sleep quality score was 7.25 out of 21. Among the workers, 46.48% reported poor sleep quality, while 53.52% reported good sleep quality. In addition, workers exposed to higher magnetic field levels were more likely to have poor sleep quality compared to those with lower exposure (P < 0.05). The analysis of various factors affecting sleep quality indicated significant associations with marital status, age, and exposure to magnetic fields. Results show with the increase of each unit of age, the chance of having bad sleep quality increased by 0.32 units (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11–0.56). Furthermore, with the increase of each unit of magnetic field exposure, the chance of having bad sleep quality increased by 0.16 units (95% CI: 0.09–0.34).
Conclusion: 
The findings suggest that even exposure to magnetic fields below the permissible limits may contribute to poor sleep quality. As magnetic field exposure increases, the likelihood of experiencing poor sleep quality also rises.