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Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
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Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State01:18

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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
08:06

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Published on: November 27, 2019

Intermittent fasting during Ramadan: does it affect sleep?

Ahmed S Bahammam1, Khalid Almushailhi, Seithikurippu R Pandi-Perumal

  • 1University Sleep Disorders Centre, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Sleep Research
|August 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Islamic intermittent fasting, when maintaining a fixed sleep-wake schedule and caloric intake, minimally impacts daytime sleepiness. While rapid eye movement (REM) sleep decreased, other sleep stages and overall sleep quality remained unaffected during fasting.

Keywords:
Ramadanactigraphyfastingrapid eye movementsleepsleepiness

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Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Chronobiology
  • Religious Studies

Background:

  • Islamic intermittent fasting (IIF) is a unique practice with potential effects on physiological processes.
  • Previous research on fasting's impact on sleep has yielded varied results, necessitating specific investigation into IIF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To objectively assess the effects of Islamic intermittent fasting on sleep architecture and daytime sleepiness.
  • To determine if a consistent sleep-wake schedule and caloric intake mitigate fasting-related sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • Polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests were conducted on eight healthy volunteers.
  • Participants were monitored during adaptation, baseline fasting, non-fasting baseline, Ramadan fasting, and recovery periods.
  • Daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and multiple sleep latency test.

Main Results:

  • No significant changes were observed in weight or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores).
  • Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage was significantly reduced during the fasting period.
  • Sleep latency, non-REM sleep percentage, arousal index, and sleep efficiency showed no significant differences across study periods.

Conclusions:

  • Under controlled conditions of fixed sleep-wake times and caloric intake, Islamic intermittent fasting leads to a reduction in REM sleep.
  • Islamic intermittent fasting does not appear to negatively impact other sleep stages, arousal levels, or daytime sleepiness.