Balancing fasting and studying: Medical and psychological advice for students during Ramadan

The blessed month of Ramadan arrives as a cherished guest for the Muslim world, bringing with it a unique spiritual atmosphere and a radical shift in the daily routines of societies. Historically, the month of fasting has not been a time for idleness or a halt to education and work; rather, it has always been a month of achievement and triumph. However, modern-day school and university students face a particular challenge in balancing religious obligations, academic duties, and the physiological changes their bodies undergo as a result of fasting and altered sleep schedules.

The issue of "balancing fasting and studying" is of paramount importance, not only for the individual student to ensure academic excellence, but also on a social and economic level. Promoting a culture of discipline and time management contributes to building a generation capable of productivity under various circumstances. In this context, Al-Youm newspaper sought the opinions of a select group of medical and educational experts to develop a roadmap that ensures students enjoy a healthy fast and achieve outstanding academic results.

Fasting is not an obstacle; habits are the problem

Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, affirms an important medical fact: fasting itself does not pose a physiological obstacle to the ability to learn and perform academically. He points out that the real problem lies in the incorrect social practices that accompany the holy month, most notably staying up excessively until dawn and insufficient sleep, which leads to a depletion of the student's mental energy.

Al-Agha advises setting a strict schedule that balances worship, study, and rest, stressing that a student who adopts a healthy lifestyle based on balanced nutrition and sufficient sleep will find in Ramadan an opportunity to enhance self-discipline and focus, instead of being distracted.

Managing diabetes while studying during Ramadan

Regarding students with diabetes, Al-Agha emphasized that fasting is a purely medical decision dependent on each student's individual condition. While students with unstable type 1 diabetes may be prohibited from fasting to protect their health, others can fast under close supervision. He strongly cautioned against symptoms of hypoglycemia during the school day, such as sweating and dizziness, stressing that "preserving one's life" takes precedence over fasting, and that monitoring blood sugar levels is a necessary procedure that does not invalidate the fast.

Abdul-Moein Al-Agha

Sleep and malnutrition: the hidden enemy

For his part, Dr. Khalid Obaid Bawaked, a consultant in family and community medicine, explained that the fatigue and lethargy experienced by students are not primarily due to hunger and thirst, but rather to a disruption of their biological clock. He indicated that the solution lies in planning ahead and ensuring they get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily, even if it is divided between nighttime and a daytime nap.

Bawaked also warned against the "blue light" emitted from smart devices before bedtime, due to its negative impact on the quality of deep sleep, advising people to take a short nap (20-30 minutes) to refresh their minds without affecting nighttime sleep.

Make the most of the evening

Pediatric consultant Dr. Nasr Al-Din Al-Sharif agrees with the previous opinions, highlighting the importance of the "evening period" after Iftar (the evening meal during Ramadan). Dr. Al-Sharif believes this period is the golden time for academic achievement and completing assignments, provided it is not wasted on electronic games and excessive television viewing. He advises dividing time wisely between worship, studying, and light recreation, which equips students with the skill of "prioritizing" that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Mental health and brain chemistry

From a psychological perspective, consultant psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Brasha links sleep deprivation to changes in brain chemistry, explaining that sleep deprivation directly leads to stress, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Brasha emphasizes that Ramadan is a school of patience and inner peace, not a month of stress, and he urges students to adopt short study periods interspersed with breaks to avoid mental exhaustion.

The role of family and proper nutrition

Social worker Marwa Mohammed Shahini concludes her advice by emphasizing the role of the "family system." She affirms that family support and a calm environment are half the battle. Shahini stresses the importance of the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) as fuel for both body and mind, advising that it be rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy. She also emphasizes the need to replenish fluids and avoid stimulants to ensure restful sleep and high concentration the following day.

Achieving balance during Ramadan is not impossible; rather, it is the result of health awareness, time management, and family support, from which the student emerges not only academically successful, but also with a stronger will and greater discipline.