Nutrition and Sleep Patterns Between Sahur and Iftar

The Effects of Sleeping with a Full Stomach on Body Systems and Daily Performance

What should be done before and after sahur is among the frequently asked questions by individuals who are fasting. Some people prefer to continue their iftar until midnight, then go to bed, and remain hungry until iftar time the next day. However, when going to bed with a full stomach, organs such as the stomach, pancreas, intestines, and gallbladder, which need to rest while you are asleep, continue to work intensely.

During sleep, the body's horizontal position can cause stomach acids to move towards the esophagus. This condition, called gastroesophageal reflux, can reach the throat during sleep and cause irritation. A similar situation applies to individuals who sleep with a feeling of intense fullness during iftar and then wake up for sahur, consuming excessive food to avoid feeling hungry at sahur. Sleeping immediately after the sahur meal can lead to various problems due to excessive fullness in the stomach.

Sleeping immediately after sahur, in addition to the risk of gastroesophageal reflux, can cause bloating and a feeling of fullness immediately after waking up due to gallbladder contraction. Furthermore, the concentration of systemic blood around the stomach to digest food can bring with it serious embolism risks. Therefore, for individuals whose work life is suitable, going to work after eating at sahur is a more appropriate approach, and for those for whom it is not suitable, spending at least an hour awake after eating is considered a more correct approach.

Going to bed with a full stomach and waking up shortly after to go to work can cause mental confusion during the day. This situation can reduce mental and functional success and lead to an unproductive day. This daytime fatigue can also lead to an uncontrolled desire to consume food during iftar. Except in cases of severe illness, the process can be managed more healthily when lifestyle and eating behaviors are regulated in coordination with a doctor. Consulting a doctor, especially regarding medications used and dietary habits, will definitely be beneficial.