The ever-expanding use of a large number of electrical appliances and mobile communication systems, which outnumber the global population, emit electromagnetic radiation through mobile telephones, power stations, transmission lines, radar, microwave ovens, televisions, refrigerators, therapeutic and other electronic devices. Electromagnetic radiation has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). A large number of research results show that short-term and long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation can lead to anxiety, depression, decreased learning ability, memory loss, sleep rhythm disorders and other adverse effects. Sleep rhythm disorders affect many people worldwide and may be associated with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this review, we summarise key experiments related to the effects of electric field exposure on mood and rhythms in animal and cellular studies over the past decade, describe the effects of electromagnetic radiation on emotional behaviors and circadian rhythms in humans and mammals, and explore the relationship between electromagnetic radiation,mood and rhythms as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. Most animal studies suggest that electromagnetic radiation may affect the physiological organization and functioning of the brain, influence neurotransmitters and receptors, interfere with neuronal formation and structure, or alter associated endocrine hormones and free radicals, which may lead to the unfavorable development of psychiatric disorders and sleep rhythm disorders. This summary may provide researchers with better clues and ideas to develop therapeutic solutions with sleep disorders and depressive psychiatric disorders.