Sleep Pattern During Ramadan among Libyan Adults: Changes and Factors Associated with Nighttime Sleep Duration

Abstract

Adequate sleep is an essential physiological need, and insufficient sleep is associated with adverse health impacts. Changes in daily routine during Ramadan may affect sleeping patterns. This study describes the pattern of sleep during Ramadan among Libyan adults and compares nighttime, daytime, and total sleep duration during and outside Ramadan. It also investigates the association of sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity sufficiency, and daytime sleep duration with nighttime sleep duration during Ramadan. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Tripoli, Libya, using a self-reported structured questionnaire developed as a part of a larger study on health-related behaviors. This analysis included 113 respondents. Their median age was 28.00 years (IQR: 23.00- 36.00), and females comprised 60.2% of the sample. Nighttime sleep duration was significantly shorter during Ramadan than outside Ramadan (mean difference = -3.12 hours, p<0.001, Cohen’s d= -1.124), while daytime sleep duration was significantly longer during Ramadan (mean difference= 2.20 hours, p<0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.742). Total sleep time was also significantly lower during Ramadan (Median= 8.00 hours) than outside Ramadan (Median= 8.50 hours), with a medium effect size (r=-0.46). Among all studied variables, only daytime sleep duration showed a significant association with nighttime sleep duration, with a strong negative correlation (r= -0.701, p<0.001). In conclusion, sleep patterns changed considerably among Libyan adults during Ramadan, with a marked reduction in nighttime sleep duration that was compensated for by increased daytime napping. Health education promoting adequate nighttime sleep during Ramadan is warranted.