With average mobile phone use at around three hours each day and rising, there are concerns about possible health effects. Wireless devices including phones emit radio-frequency waves, and one area of concern is whether this can affect our brains. Some research has been done, but more is needed. In the mean time using a speakerphone where possible is probably sensible.

Energydots make low-powered magnets which, they say, are programmed with a specific, naturally-occurring frequency. They explain that each DOT performs a slightly different function and the smartDOT and bioDOT protect from harmful effects of wireless radiation. They clarify that the DOTs do not shield from radiation, rather ‘retune (or harmonise) the emissions to a more natural coherent frequency’. The sleepDOT ‘uses passive micro vibrational technology to slow brain waves from beta to theta and delta (sleep) frequencies.’

To be honest, as a doctor, I don’t understand what ‘retuning or harmonising’ radio-frequency waves means and cannot endorse this from my medical or scientific background. I am curious to know how the sleepDOT changes brain waves.

To Energydot’s credit, they have commissioned a couple of quite small studies of the effect of the DOTs on mobile phone exposure, although I am unsure of the clinical relevance of the results.

However I try to have an open mind and wearing magnets is a popular treatment for arthritis and other diseases, albeit of unproven benefit, so I have given the DOTs a go.

I have tried the Bioband – a rather neat disc on a rubberised wrist band; I’ve also stuck a smartDOT in my mobile phone case and a sleepDOT on my bed. They’ve only been in place for two days so a little too soon to tell. I do confess to feeling a little calmer – whether it’s a placebo effect I can’t say.

So what’s my view on Energydot? I think Energydot have an interesting idea. I would have liked more information on their technology and their theory as to why it could work. Some serious research is needed to establish whether the DOTs do have a beneficial effect and I hope they will commission further work.

In the meantime I’m prepared to try the DOTS for a little longer – I can’t see that they would do any harm and with lockdown I think we can all benefit from anything which may help us sleep.

They are available from the Energydot website.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.