Focus on the quality and quantity of sleep during Ramadan

It is well known that we function better when we get sufficient good-quality sleep, but studies have shown that sleep also affects our satiety and hunger levels. According to a research, partial sleep deprivation is associated with changes in the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin, which could make fasting more challenging. Studies have also determined that without sufficient and consistent quality sleep, the immune response is suppressed, making people more susceptible to infections in general, and taking longer to recover from them.

There are three important factors underlying quality sleep namely, a consistent sleep schedule, a sufficient period of uninterrupted sleep, and good ‘sleep hygiene’ habits such as turning off screens.          

Some people will change their habits drastically during Ramadan, and how they do this will depend on their lifestyle and commitments – such as work or family, It is impossible to say that one pattern is preferable to another. However, no matter which approach individuals adopt, there are steps they can take to help themselves get enough sleep during the month and to readjust more easily to their regular schedule afterwards.

The key is to aim to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day and try to get the recommended amount of sleep, which is seven to nine hours for adults. This will help regulate the circadian rhythms, or internal body clock, and encourage restorative sleep.

If people choose to divide their sleep into a number of sessions throughout the day,  that they should make sure this includes one consistent longer block of continuous sleep that is at least five or six hours long, and to aim for the recommended total of seven to nine hours of sleep in a day.

Individuals who have significantly changed their sleeping pattern during Ramadan should ease back into routine afterwards. For, example, if people have swapped night and day, they should adjust back to their normal routine slowly, moving their bedtime and waking-up time by a few hours every day, so that their body clock can adjust more easily.

As it is not only the number of hours that is important, but the quality of sleep. It suggests paying attention to sleep hygiene factors, such as keeping the room dark, having a comfortable bed and ensuring an ambient temperature and no noise. People should aim to turn off their televisions and electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed.

 Sleep needs to be uninterrupted as far as possible, leaving you feeling refreshed or rejuvenated and able to function appropriately during the day without feeling sleepy.

Word of Wisdom

"Fasting has been prescribed for you during] the certain number of days, but if some of you are sick or on a journey, [you should fast] the same number during other days. And those who are not able to fast should feed a poor person as an atonement, and whosoever volunteers more [and feeds more than one poor] it is better for him. Fasting is better for you if you know."

Cuisine
Most of the time you tend to cook a variety of dishes for Iftar which sometimes leads to wastage. Stick to a simple iftar dinner and preserve the essence of the Holy Month.

Fasting tips
Ramadan is an ideal time to focus on eating fruits that will fill you up fast without adding too many calories to your diet. Make sure to have 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of veggies at each of your two meals.