WiFi Tips: Should You Turn Off WiFi at Night for Better Sleep? Here’s the Truth

Kokila Chokkanathan
Do you often wake up feeling tired and restless, even after spending enough hours in bed? Many people blame their lifestyle or stress, but a surprising culprit might be sitting quietly in the corner of your room—the WiFi router.

Since routers are always on, constantly emitting signals, the question arises: Does WiFi affect our sleep, and should we switch it off at night? Let’s break it down.


 What Does Research Say?

  • A 2024 study by RMIT University observed people sleeping near routers. About 27% showed insomnia-like symptoms and abnormal brain activity, which affected deep sleep cycles.
  • A 2021 rat experiment revealed that 2.4 GHz WiFi exposure led to reduced deep sleep and longer wakefulness.
 But here’s the twist: Organizations like the World health Organization (WHO) and the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) maintain that WiFi radiation levels are too weak to cause serious harm to human health.

So, the scientific community is divided—while some studies hint at sleep disruption, official health bodies call WiFi safe.


 Real Concern: Radiation or the Mind?

Experts say the issue may not be the radiation itself but the nocebo effect.

  • If you believe WiFi is disturbing your sleep, the stress itself may keep you awake.
  • In short: Your mindset and anxiety about WiFi exposure could trigger poor sleep more than the radiation.

 Benefits of Turning Off WiFi at Night

Even though the scientific verdict is unclear, there are some practical advantages to switching off your router before bed:

Better Sleep Quality – For some, simply removing the thought of WiFi radiation brings peace of mind and deeper rest.

Saves Power & Data – Routers consume electricity 24/7. Turning them off at night saves energy and prevents unnecessary background data use.

Longer Router Life – Like any machine, giving it “rest time” reduces overheating and extends its durability.


When Switching Off WiFi Can Be a Problem

Not everyone can afford to turn off WiFi at night. For example:

  • Homes with smart devices (CCTV cameras, smart locks, smart lights) need constant internet connectivity.
  • If your household members work night shifts or need online access late at night, turning WiFi off may cause inconvenience.
👉 A better compromise: Keep the router in another part of the house, away from your bedroom, to minimize its presence while still keeping devices connected.


Final Verdict

There is no global consensus that WiFi radiation disrupts sleep. But since some people experience discomfort—whether physical or psychological—turning off WiFi at night can be a simple, low-cost way to improve sleep quality.

At the end of the day, it’s less about science and more about personal comfort. If switching it off gives you peace of mind and better rest, then it’s worth trying.


 Takeaway: WiFi may not be a proven health risk, but if you’re struggling with sleep, switching it off at night is a harmless and possibly helpful habit.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.


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