, when activities may keep people awake well into the night. Although there have been a number of health benefits linked to fasting during Ramadan, the negative effects of disrupted sleep patterns may lead to undesired outcomes. This disrupted sleep routine can impact daytime functioning, reduce alertness, cause mood swings and create an increased risk of injury.
At a time when a healthy immune system is most crucial, do these disrupted sleep patterns associated with early mornings and late nights put us more at risk of catching infections? Generally, a good night’s sleep is vital for good health. As the benefits of good quality sleep become better understood, we have observed that sleep is just as important to good health as nutrition and exercise. Lack of sleep also promotes hunger hormones to go into overdrive, something one can do without when fasting.
If you experience low energy levels during the working day, a power nap can be helpful. Find a quiet place away from the work station and take a 20-minute nap. Power naps are especially important for those who feel sleepy when driving home at the end of the day.As well as maintaining sleep quantity over the 24-hour period, it is equally as important, if not more, to ensure that the sleep you do get is of good quality.