Investigation of the Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Sleep Patterns, Nutritional Characteristics, and Physical Activity Levels in Young Individuals Doing Active Sports

Abstract

Fasting during Ramadan causes significant changes in important features of human life, such as sleep behaviors, nutrition, and physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on sleep patterns, nutritional characteristics, and physical activity levels in young individuals doing active sports. Twenty-six individuals (14 males-12 females) between the ages of 19-25 and doing active sports participated in the study voluntarily. In the study, the athletes' sleep patterns, nutrition, and physical activity characteristics were determined using a questionnaire. Participants answered a questionnaire about their sleep patterns, nutritional characteristics, and physical activity levels one week before and during the first week of Ramadan. Comparisons between before and Ramadan answers were made by paired t-tests. Wilcoxon’s z was calculated for comparisons between the non-parametric variables. According to the statistical comparisons, the number of workouts per week, and daily training time, were significantly (p<0.05) decreased during Ramadan. In addition, it has been determined that the sleeping and waking hours have changed. It is seen that there is no statistically significant difference in total sleep times. There was no significant difference was found in the high-intensity, moderate-intensity physical activity and sitting times of the athletes (p>0.05). Significant decreases were found in walking and total calorie (MET) parameters (p<0.001). Moreover, no significant difference was found in the total calorie, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and liquid consumption. Ramadan fasting was affected by the number of workouts per week, daily training number, bedtime, waking-up time, walking, and total calorie (MET) parameters.