Doctors in Oman have highlighted the importance of getting enough sleep during Ramadan. Lack of it could lead to an increased risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and hormonal imbalance.
According to experts, sleep is essential in maintaining health and well-being, and there are implications when people don’t get enough. They said that disruption in sleep routine can also impact daytime functioning, reduce alertness, cause mood swings and create an increased risk of injuries such as road accidents related to fatigue.
During Ramadan social activities keep people awake well into the night leaving them even more at risk. “Lack of enough sleep can raise the risk of developing high blood pressure and upsets sugar levels. There is a need for people to sleep six to eight hours per day. Less sleep can also lead to hormonal imbalance in Ramadan. People should sleep for at least six hours before suhour to avoid health problems,” Dr K P Raman, chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital told Muscat Daily.
He said that lack of enough sleep causes tiredness, leading to loss of concentration during the daytime. “People should try and get to bed early so that they get enough time to sleep before suhour.”
Dr Mridula Rao, ENT specialist at Hatat Polyclinic, said sleep disorder can cause hypertension and sleep related diseases. “During Ramadan, the normal sleep cycle is disturbed by waking early for suhour, eating heavy before sleep and then sleeping late. However, there are a number of steps people can take to ensure a better quality of sleep.”
Dr Mridula said that sleep deprivation worsens hypertension. Lack of enough sleep could also lead to sleep apnoea and snoring. “People should at least get six to seven hours of constant sleep. In Ramadan, I advise people to go to bed just after Taraweeh prayer and if possible to have afternoon sleep.” Dr Kausar Nadaf, general practitioner at Badr al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi, said sleep disorder can also cause memory loss and cardiac issues.
“Sleep disorder can lead to heart-related problems and loss of memory. During Ramadan, an afternoon nap can add value to the body system. The body needs seven to eight hours of sleep per day.”
He added that people should try to get the same hours of sleep over the 24-hour period. “Usually, most people would sleep during the night for seven to eight hours in one block but during Ramadan this is not possible. Try to make up for the lost night-time sleep when possible,” Dr Nadaf said.
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