Does Ramadan fasting affect sleep?

Abstract

SUMMARYExperimental fasting has been shown to alter the sleepwakefulness pattern in various species. As fasting during Ramadan is distinct from experimental fasting, the physiological and behavioural changes occurring during Ramadan fasting may differ from those occurring during experimental fasting. There has been increased interest in recent years in sleep changes and daytime sleepiness during Ramadan. Moreover, many of those who fast during Ramadan associate this fasting with increased daytime sleepiness and decreased performance. This raises the question of whether Ramadan fasting affects sleep. In this review, we discuss the findings of research conducted to assess changes in sleep pattern, chronobiology, circadian rhythms, daytime sleepiness and function and sleep architecture during the month of Ramadan. Where applicable, these findings are compared with those obtained during experimental fasting.

Influence of Ramadan on Neuroperformance in Healthy Workers

“…Sleep reduction seemed to depend on the starting fasting hour: as fasting began very early in the morning (between 02:25h and 03:20h) most subjects skipped breakfast in R1, while in R2 most participants interrupted their sleep for breakfast before starting the days' fast at 04:00h or later. Our data are consistent with other studies conducted in Islamic countries reporting that Ramadan causes a shift in the sleeping pattern with a delay of both bedtime and waking up (BaHammam 2006, Roky et al 2001, Roky et al 2004. Waterhouse et al (2008) conducted a study in 2006-2007 when Ramadan took place during autumn.…”

“…In Islamic countries, daytime activities and working hours are often adapted to the changed rhythm during Ramadan (BaHammam et al 2010, Roky et al 2001. Many studies suggest a decreased daytime alertness during Ramadan in Islamic countries (BaHammam 2006, Roky et al 2000. The question arises whether this is also the case in western countries where working hours remain unchanged.…”

“…Many studies report changes in circadian rhythms during Ramadan, with general delay in both bedtime and waking up hour (Ziaee et al 2006, BaHammam 2005, BaHammam 2006. In Islamic countries, daytime activities and working hours are often adapted to the changed rhythm during Ramadan (BaHammam et al 2010, Roky et al 2001.…”

Influence of Ramadan Observance on Sleep Pattern and Wakefulness at Work among Medical Trainer in Tunisia

“…In general, a falling body temperature induces sleep, whereas a rising temperature provokes wakefulness. During Ramadan, spicy nocturnal meals, the favorite food at Tunisian Ramadan table, can result in an increase in nocturnal body temperature which leads into delay in sleep onset [1,[13][14][15].…”

A systematic review on the effect of Ramadan on mental health: minor effects and no harm in general, but increased risk of relapse in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

“…The effect of Ramadan fasting on sleep and daytime fatigue may depend on the season of the year, the latitude of the place, and thus the length of day and night. It may also depend on social factors such as working hours, shop opening times, meal and prayer times (Bahammam 2006).…”