Publication
Ramadan Observance Exacerbated the Negative Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Sleep and Training Behaviors: A International Survey on 1,681 Muslim Athletes
Publisher:
Frontiers Media SA
Date:
30-06-2022
DOI:
10.3389/FNUT.2022.925092
Abstract: Disrupted sleep and training behaviors in athletes have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed at investigating the combined effects of Ramadan observance and COVID-19 related lockdown in Muslim athletes. From an international s le of athletes ( n = 3,911), 1,681 Muslim athletes (from 44 countries 25.1 ± 8.7 years, 38% females, 41% elite, 51% team sport athletes) answered a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire relating to their behavioral habits pre- and during- COVID-19 lockdown, including: ( i ) Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) ( ii ) insomnia severity index (ISI) ( iii ) bespoke questions about training, napping, and eating behaviors, and ( iv ) questions related to training and sleep behaviors during-lockdown and Ramadan compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan. The survey was disseminated predominately through social media, opening 8 July and closing 30 September 2020. The lockdown reduced sleep quality and increased insomnia severity (both p & 0.001). Compared to non-Muslim ( n = 2,230), Muslim athletes reported higher PSQI and ISI scores during-lockdown (both p & 0.001), but not pre-lockdown ( p & 0.05). Muslim athletes reported longer ( p & 0.001 d = 0.29) and later ( p & 0.001 d = 0.14) daytime naps, and an increase in late-night meals ( p & 0.001 d = 0.49) during- compared to pre-lockdown, associated with lower sleep quality (all p & 0.001). Both sleep quality (χ 2 = 222.6 p & 0.001) and training volume (χ 2 = 342.4 p & 0.001) were lower during-lockdown and Ramadan compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan in the Muslims athletes. Muslim athletes reported lower sleep quality and higher insomnia severity during- compared to pre-lockdown, and this was exacerbated by Ramadan observance. Therefore, further attention to Muslim athletes is warranted when a circadian disrupter (e.g., lockdown) occurs during Ramadan.