Focus on Sleep Quantity and Quality During Ramadan, Advises Expert From American Hospital Cleveland Clinic

(MENAFN - Mid-East.Info) Good sleep habits and regular bedtimes encourage restorative sleep, which supports the immune system and helps regulate appetite-control hormones Vaishal Shah, M.D.,�of Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorders Center in the U.S CLEVELAND:�A sleep medicine expert at Cleveland Clinic is encouraging people to explore ways to improve both the quality and quantity of their sleep during the Holy Month, as this can support fasting and immune system functioning, he says. Vaishal Shah, M.D.,�of Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorders Center in the U.S., says, 'We all know we function better when we get sufficient good-quality sleep, but research has shown that sleep also affects our hunger and satiety levels. In particular, studies have shown that partial sleep deprivation is associated with�changes in the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin, which�could make fasting more challenging.' Dr. Shah adds that research shows adequate sleep is also essential for the optimal functioning of our immune systems. 'Studies have determined that without sufficient and consistent quality sleep, the immune response is suppressed, making people more susceptible to infections in general, and taking longer to recover from them,' he says. He explains that proteins called cytokines and similar molecules are released by the immune system during sleep, and some of these play an important role in protecting against infection and inflammation. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased production of both cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies, he adds. Dr. Shah says adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep daily, but emphasizes that it is not only the number of hours that is important, but the quality too. 'Sleep needs to follow a consistent pattern, and be uninterrupted as far as possible, leaving you feeling refreshed or rejuvenated and able to function appropriately during the day without feeling sleepy,' he says. To ensure quality sleep, he suggests paying attention to sleep hygiene factors, which include keeping the room dark, having a comfortable bed and ensuring an ambient temperature with no noise. He adds that people should aim to turn off their televisions and electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed. In addition, he stresses that a consistent sleep schedule is key to quality sleep, particularly in Ramadan when people tend to change their sleeping habits. 'Whether you stick to your regular schedule, or adapt it in accordance with suhoor and iftar timings, or you decide to sleep during the day instead of at night, aim to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day and try to get recommended amount of sleep. This will help regulate your circadian rhythms, or internal body clock, and encourage restorative sleep,' he says. If people choose to divide their sleep into a number of sessions throughout the day, he advises that they should make sure this includes one consistent longer block of continuous sleep that is at least five or six hours long, and a total of seven to nine hours of sleep in a day. He also advises that anyone who has significantly changed their sleeping pattern during Ramadan, should ease back into routine afterwards. For, example, if someone has swapped night and day, they should adjust back to their normal routine slowly, moving their bedtime�and waking-up time�by a few hours every day, so that their body clock can adjust more easily. About Cleveland Clinic : Cleveland Clinic�� now in its centennial year ��is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many�medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States.�U.S. News & World Report�consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation's best hospitals in its annual 'America's Best Hospitals' survey. Among Cleveland Clinic's�70,800�employees worldwide are more than 4,660 salaried physicians and researchers, and 18,500 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 19 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2020, there were 8.7 million total outpatient visits, 273,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 217,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic's health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.�MENAFN14042021005446012082ID1101915028