During the month of Ramadan, some people develop the habit of sleeping again after suhoor. The feeling of sleepiness after consuming suhoor often leads individuals to choose rest to recharge before beginning their daily activities.

But is this habit actually beneficial for the body? Read on to learn more about the effects of sleeping after suhoor.

Effects of Sleeping After Suhoor

Although it may seem like a normal practice, sleeping again after suhoor can have an impact on the digestive system, metabolism, and the quality of your sleep, according to various studies.

Digestive Disorders

It’s not only spicy food or tight clothing that can cause digestive discomfort and heartburn after eating. The body requires time to properly digest food, and lying down or sleeping right after eating can disrupt this process.

When you lie down, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus becomes weaker, which allows stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, potentially causing discomfort, heartburn, or indigestion.

Reduces Sleep Quality

While it may feel comfortable to sleep again after suhoor, it can actually interfere with the quality of your sleep.

After eating, the body needs time to process the food, and this can lead to discomfort that makes you wake up more easily. The digestive process can cause stomach unease, interrupting your rest and preventing you from getting the full benefits of sleep.

Disrupting a Healthy Eating Routine

Eating a large amount of food or consuming high-calorie snacks just before bed can make you feel too full when you wake up the next morning. This can also trigger increased hunger, leading to cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods when it’s time to break the fast. As a result, the balanced eating cycle you aim for during Ramadan may be disrupted, making it harder to maintain a healthy diet.

Weight Gain

There’s a common myth that eating before bed directly causes weight gain. However, research indicates a connection between sleep deprivation and increased appetite-related hormones.

Studies show that a lack of sleep leads to increased cravings for high-calorie foods upon waking. This results in overeating, consuming more than your body actually needs.

Furthermore, the metabolism tends to slow down during sleep, meaning the food you’ve consumed may not be burned as efficiently and could be stored as fat.

Risks of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders

Sleeping after eating can affect blood sugar levels. After suhoor, the body needs time to process the glucose from the food consumed. Going to sleep immediately after suhoor can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, this habit can contribute to insulin resistance and raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

To avoid the negative effects mentioned above, it’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before going back to sleep after eating. During this time, engage in light activities such as reading a book or taking a gentle walk around the house.

If you have more questions about healthy fasting or want personalized advice, you can consult a doctor using the Ai Care application, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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