DUBAI // Caffeine withdrawal, headaches and a short temper are just some of the potential consequences of fasting, health experts said.
Weight gain, sleep deprivation and an obsession with food are also common among those fasting – but with the right approach and positive thinking, the psychological impact can be reduced.
Fasting, with meals limited to before dawn and after dark, causes the body’s metabolism to slow, leading to physiological and psychological changes.
“Headaches during a fast can be due to dehydration or hunger, lack of sleep, hypoglycaemia or the absence of addictive substances, such as caffeine or nicotine,” said Dr Taoufik Alsaadi, chief medical officer at the American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, Dubai.
“A moderate and balanced diet is recommended for all who experience headaches while fasting. Avoid skipping the pre-dawn meal and drink as much fluid as possible.
“Water is very important, and should ideally be the main fluid you use to replenish your thirst during Ramadan,” he said.
“If necessary, take painkillers, as recommended by your doctor, during suhoor, to help prevent or reduce the risk of getting a headache.”
Staying out of the sun can also keep headaches at bay.
As sleep deprivation is likely during the holy month it can result in lack of focus, outbreaks of temper and poor concentration.
“Understanding that this can happen and working out a daily routine will help to maintain health, avoid weight gain and perform daily tasks while fasting,” Dr Alsaadi said.
“Eating a healthier iftar and suhoor will provide the energy to remain active during the day and allow natural tiredness to kick in at fajr for restful sleep.”
Changes to daily routines and less sleep can trigger anxiety. Anyone fasting is encouraged to reduce workload and physical activity to keep the effects of stress to a minimum.
Lina Doumani, a clinical dietitian at the Dubai Camali Clinic, said a healthy diet during Ramadan can help mental health.
“People with strong faith and belief that fasting is good for their general well-being tend to be unaffected psychologically by fasting. It is the positive thinking that keeps their psychological status intact.”
During the first days of fasting, the body takes time to adapt to the physiological and psychological effects. By day three, most people have adapted to the new routine of food and liquid intake.
“Psychologically, the deprivation puts the fasting individual in a status of obsession about food and, therefore, it is commonly seen that at iftar there is a high consumption of food, higher than usual,” Ms Doumani said.
To help in dealing with the affects of fasting, public and private-sector employees in the UAE enjoy shorter working days, while the have their working days reduced by two hours during Ramadan, while working hours for public-sector employees in the UAE will be 9am to 2pm.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has told all schools in Dubai that they will operate shorter days, start between 8am and 8.30am and finish between 1pm and 1.30pm, with shorter breaks as required.
Life coach and former teacher Linda Bonnar said a sensible approach to fasting was required.
“Some of the biggest issues I noticed with students during Ramadan was their inability to concentrate,” she said.
“It’s a huge ask, especially of senior students who are fasting for full days like their parents, to be able to concentrate on their studies. Even though class times are shorter, the expectations are still there and more so during exam season.”
nwebster@thenational.ae
