Mashable: An expert underscores the significance of slowly transitioning sleep schedules following Ramadan

In a recent revelation, Saudi Arabia has been identified as the third country worldwide with the shortest sleep duration, according to Dr. Mana Al Shahrani, a prominent Consultant in Sleep Medicine at King Fahd Medical City. Dr. Al Shahrani highlighted the prevalent issue of sleep deprivation among Saudis, shedding light on their typical nightly sleep duration of only 6 to 7 hours.

During a discussion on Al Ekhbariya TV, Dr. Al Shahrani cautioned against a common practice among Saudis of staying awake for 24 hours to reset sleep patterns after Ramadan. He emphasized that such continuous sleep deprivation can have severe detrimental effects on physical health, likening its impact to that of alcohol consumption. Instead, he stressed the importance of gradually adjusting sleep schedules rather than resorting to drastic measures.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Shahrani warned against the premature use of sleep medications, advocating for behavioral changes as the primary course of action. He suggested that medications should be considered only as a last resort and used sparingly in low doses for short periods.

A study conducted using the "Sleep" application revealed that residents of Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, and Malaysia have the shortest sleep durations, averaging only 6.5 hours per day. In contrast, the global average sleep duration stands at 7 hours and 12 minutes per day. Notably, New Zealanders enjoy the longest sleep durations, with an average of 7 hours and 40 minutes per day.

Dr. Al Shahrani's insights underscore the pressing need for awareness and intervention regarding sleep health in Saudi Arabia. With sleep deprivation posing significant risks to physical and mental well-being, efforts to promote healthy sleep habits and prioritize adequate rest are imperative for public health initiatives nationwide.