RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Objective assessment of sleep pattern and daytime sleepiness during Ramadan fasting in Muslims and non-Muslims
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP p2258
VO 38
IS Suppl 55
A1 Ahmed BaHammam
A1 Abdulrahman Alaseem
A1 Abdulmajid Alzakri
A1 Munir Sharif
YR 2011
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p2258.abstract
AB Background: Studies using sleep diaries have shown a delay in bedtime and rise time during Ramadan. However, no objective study has assessed sleep pattern during Ramadan in a free living environment.Objectives: To assess the effect of Ramadan and its attendant life-style changes on: circadian changes in sleep, and energy expenditure in Muslims and non-Muslims.Methods: The ArmBand was used to assess the circadian changes in sleep and energy expenditure for 3 weeks, during a baseline period (BL, one week before Ramadan), the first week (R1), and the second week (R2), of Ramadan, in eight Muslims and eight non-Muslim volunteers. The ArmBand is a validated metabolic body monitoring system that records sleep and total energy expenditure. A 29-items questionnaire concerning sleep was collected as well. In addition, Optalert was used to objectively assess daytime drowsiness using the John Drowsiness Scale (JDS).Results: Muslims and non-Muslims were matched for age and body mass index. While the start of work has been delayed for Muslims from 7:30 Am to 10 AM, there was no change in working hours for non-Muslims. When BL, R1 and R2 were compared in Muslims, there was a significant delay in bedtime, and rise time and a significant reduction in total sleep time. No changes were documented in sleep pattern in non-Muslims. No changes in daytime sleepiness were documented in both groups using the Epworth sleepiness scale and the JDS.Conclusion: Changes in sleep pattern in Muslims could be related to changes in lifestyle like the changes in working hours. There is no objective evidence of increased sleepiness during fasting.