A unique, moral, and spiritual aspect of Islam is fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. Fasting in the month of Ramadan means abstaining entirely from foods, drinks, smoking, and intimate intercourses before the break of dawn till sunset.
The Special Month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The most blessed month and a month dedicated to fulfilling our religious activities.
“Every good action (in Ramadan) will be multiplied by up to seven hundred times.”
(Al – Bukhari)
Doing as many good deeds in the month of Ramadan is something you would not want to miss. As we Muslims always look forward to this month every year, why would we not try to make the most of it?!
Ramadan is exceptional, and the nights of Ramadan are always better. To stand in prayer seeking forgiveness during the nights are the best time of the month. Just realizing that it’s only a few months away gives me chills. Happy chills.
“The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands in the night prayer during Ramadan due to faith and seeking reward, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Muslim)
The only thing that could keep us away from performing our duties during Ramadan is usually lethargy. There are several reasons for tiredness. The number one reason is lack of sleep which is common during Ramadan.
Is Sleep Vital?
Sleep is one of the most vital needs for our bodies’ proper functioning and health. Good sleep is equally as important as eating healthy. Unfortunately, several factors disturb our sleeping patterns, resulting in poor sleep and depriving us of our energy and the ability to carry out our daily activities.
Disturbed sleep can have many adverse effects on our health. Fatigue and crankiness are the most frequent ones. Lack of sleep also drains your mental abilities and concentration. Getting less than seven hours of sleep can affect our entire body. Our bodies need enough sleep to function correctly. It is during sleep that our minds and bodies recharge to work once we wake up.
Sleep and its Effect in the Month of Ramadan
Sleep deprivation can affect appetite. An increased appetite can make it difficult to fast during Ramadan. Irregular sleep patterns and not getting enough sleep will make you feel tired throughout the day, making it very difficult to carry out your daily activities.
So how do we perform our duties without feeling tired or sleepy during this month? Maybe a few tips would help you get undisturbed sleep.
During Ramadan, our sleep schedule is disrupted by religious activities and gatherings. To stand up in prayer during the night, we must have our sleep schedule sorted out well. To make the most use of this blessed monthly to plan out a proper sleep schedule. Usually, we are used to sleeping for up to at least nine hours at a stretch during the night, which is not possible during the month of Ramadan.
- So try to make a plan which you can fit into your schedule to make up for the lost sleep during the nights of Ramadan. Try to squeeze in as much sleep as possible when you find your body losing energy and feeling tired.
- A power nap can be beneficial to sort out sleep deprivation and tiredness. Take a break during the day from any work you are doing and take not more than a twenty-minute nap. Do not sleep for more than twenty minutes as you may get into a deep sleep, makingdy tired than you already were.
- A boisterous and disturbing environment will not help you get a good sleep so try to keep your environment quiet and dark to get better sleep.
- Consuming caffeine before bedtime can also disturb your sleeping pattern. Never drink coffee or caffeine-containing products when you are ready to sleep. Caffeine remains in our system for at least up to around seven hours and affects sleep quality. So, if needed consuming caffeine-containing products seven hours before sleeping will be ideal.
- Avoid as many fried foods as possible. The Iftar spread usually consists of several fried foods,, which is impossible to avoid during Ramadan. Fried foods tend to cause acidity, which in turn leads to disturbed sleep.
- Foods high in sodium cause dehydration and make you thirsty afterward. Ending up being extremely thirsty before you sleep can disturb you from having a proper sleep.
- Do not use any kind of electronic device during bedtime. The use of electronic devices will keep your mind active for more extended hours resulting in poor sleep.
- Avoid consuming foods loaded with sugar. High sugar intake can keep you active for very long hours. Avoiding such foods will help you sleep better.
- One of the main issues people face during Ramadan is heartburn due to consuming too many spicy foods. Cutting down on spicy foods will help reduce heartburn which will help get better and undisturbed sleep.
- Avoid consuming too much food during Iftar. Exercising a few hours before bedtime also helps to have a better sleep.
- Eat healthy during Suhoor. Fiber-rich foods will help keep you full for a long time,, so consuming fiber foods can help you feel less hungry and make you feel better during the day.
- Consuming dates during Iftar can help prevent dehydration. It will keep you energized after Iftar so you can involve in your religious activities better.
- Sleeping a few hours before Suhoor helps you to fill up your sleeping hours.
- Managing to get at least two hours of sleep right after Fajr will help make up for all the lost rest during the night.
- Excessive eating during Suhoor can lead to digestive problems,, which might not help you sleep right after Fajr. So eating a well-planned and straightforward meal will help you get some sleep and let you wake up refreshed for the day.
Proper sleep during the month of Ramadan is essential. It helps us to get involved in a lot of religious activities. Following these simple tips will help you maintain a good sleeping pattern and make use of this blessed month.
