Feeling tired during Ramadan… a normal phenomenon or a health warning sign?

Feeling tired during Ramadan… a normal phenomenon or a health warning sign?

 Dr. Hala Abdel Karim, a family medicine consultant, confirmed in a special statement to Sky News Arabia that feeling exhausted in the middle of Ramadan is one of the most common symptoms at this stage, along with the accumulation of sleep disturbances and changes in eating habits.

Abdel Karim stated that decreased energy during fasting hours is expected due to reduced calorie and fluid intake. However, persistent and severe fatigue, or fatigue accompanied by frequent dizziness, palpitations, or blurred vision, may indicate a health problem requiring medical evaluation.

She explained that unnoticed dehydration is a major cause of fatigue, especially when fluids are not adequately replenished between Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). She added that excessive sugar consumption, which rapidly raises blood sugar levels followed by a sudden drop, also contributes to fatigue. Furthermore, she noted that prolonged wakefulness and insufficient deep sleep disrupt the body's biological clock, negatively impacting concentration and productivity.

She pointed out that certain groups are more prone to fatigue, such as those with diabetes, anemia, thyroid disorders, and the elderly. She emphasized that the appearance of symptoms like paleness, shortness of breath, or fainting warrants a visit to the doctor and the necessary examinations.

She stressed that the solution lies in regulating meals, ensuring that breakfast includes proteins and fiber to reduce blood sugar fluctuations, along with a balanced pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

She concluded by saying that fatigue in the middle of Ramadan can be managed through simple lifestyle adjustments, but ignoring warning signs can lead to complications that can be avoided with early intervention.