According to Gram Research analysis, a 2025 cross-sectional study of 464 Saudi adults found that Ramadan fasting significantly affects mental health, sleep, and eating patterns, with women experiencing 35% higher odds of depressive feelings and people in eastern Saudi Arabia facing double the risk of sleep disturbances. The research shows that middle-aged adults (26-60 years) are particularly vulnerable to these changes, suggesting that targeted support during fasting periods could help mitigate psychological and physical effects.
A new study of 464 Saudi adults reveals that fasting during Ramadan significantly affects mental health, sleep quality, and eating patterns. Researchers found that women, middle-aged adults, and people living in eastern Saudi Arabia experienced the biggest changes in mood, sleep disruption, and altered eating behaviors. The study suggests that these effects are measurable and predictable based on age, gender, and location. Understanding who is most vulnerable during Ramadan could help communities develop better support strategies for mental health and healthy eating during this important religious period.
Key Statistics
A 2025 cross-sectional study of 464 Saudi adults found that women fasting during Ramadan had 35% higher odds of experiencing depressive feelings and reduced interest in activities compared to men (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.72).
According to research reviewed by Gram, adults from eastern Saudi Arabia experienced more than double the odds of sleep disturbances during Ramadan fasting compared to other regions (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05), suggesting geographic factors amplify fasting’s effects on sleep quality.
A 2025 study of 464 Ramadan fasters found that adults aged 26-60 years showed significantly higher rates of sleep disturbance and altered eating behaviors compared to younger adults, with middle-aged and older participants being substantially more vulnerable to lifestyle disruptions.
Research from 464 Saudi adults revealed that employment status was associated with daytime fatigue and eating patterns driven by factors other than hunger during Ramadan, indicating that working individuals face compounded challenges during fasting periods.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How Ramadan fasting affects people’s mental health, sleep quality, and eating habits in Saudi Arabia
- Who participated: 464 adults aged 18-60 living in Saudi Arabia who fasted during Ramadan in March 2025. More than half (56.5%) were women, and most (77.1%) were between 18-40 years old.
- Key finding: Women were 35% more likely to experience depressive feelings and loss of interest in activities. Adults aged 26-60 had significantly higher rates of sleep problems and changes in eating patterns. People in eastern Saudi Arabia faced the highest risk of mood problems, sleep disruption, and altered eating.
- What it means for you: If you fast during Ramadan, especially if you’re a woman or middle-aged, you may experience changes in mood, sleep, and appetite. Being aware of these common effects can help you prepare and seek support if needed. However, individual experiences vary widely.
The Research Details
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey, which is like taking a snapshot of a population at one moment in time. They recruited 464 adults from across Saudi Arabia who were fasting during Ramadan in March 2025 using convenience sampling (recruiting people who were readily available). Participants completed a validated questionnaire—a tested survey tool that had been adapted to fit Saudi culture—that asked about their mood, sleep patterns, and eating habits during fasting.
The researchers then analyzed the data using statistical tests to find patterns. They used chi-square tests to compare groups (like men versus women) and logistic regression to identify which factors most strongly predicted mental health problems, sleep issues, and eating changes. They set a significance threshold of p < 0.05, meaning they only reported findings they were confident weren’t due to chance.
This approach is useful for understanding how different groups experience the same event, but it captures only one moment in time and cannot prove that fasting directly caused the changes observed.
This research approach matters because Ramadan is a real-world, naturally occurring period of time-restricted eating that affects millions of people. By studying actual fasting patterns rather than creating artificial lab conditions, researchers can understand how fasting affects daily life. The cross-sectional design also allows researchers to identify which groups of people are most vulnerable, which is important for developing targeted health support.
Strengths: The study used a validated, culturally adapted questionnaire, which increases reliability. The sample size of 464 is reasonably large. Statistical analysis was appropriate for the study design. Limitations: Convenience sampling may not represent all Saudi adults equally. The study captures only one moment (March 2025) and cannot show long-term effects. Self-reported data on mood and sleep may be influenced by memory or social desirability bias. The cross-sectional design cannot prove causation—only association.
What the Results Show
The study found clear patterns in how Ramadan fasting affected different groups. Women were significantly more likely to report depressive feelings and loss of interest in activities compared to men. When researchers controlled for other factors, being female independently predicted psychological distress, with women having 35% higher odds (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35) of experiencing mental health challenges.
Age also mattered substantially. Adults aged 26-39 and 40-60 years showed significantly higher rates of sleep disturbance and altered eating behaviors compared to younger adults. These middle-aged and older adults were more vulnerable to the lifestyle disruptions that fasting creates.
Geographic location emerged as a powerful predictor. Participants from eastern Saudi Arabia had dramatically elevated risks: 80% higher odds of psychological distress, more than double the odds of sleep disturbances (105% higher), and 50% higher odds of changes in eating patterns. This suggests that regional factors—possibly related to climate, work schedules, or cultural practices—amplify fasting’s effects.
Employment status was linked to daytime fatigue and eating patterns driven by factors other than hunger, suggesting that working adults may struggle more with the physical and behavioral demands of fasting.
The study revealed that sleep disruption and altered eating patterns were interconnected outcomes. Participants who experienced sleep problems were more likely to report changes in eating behavior, suggesting these effects may reinforce each other. The research also showed that psychological distress, sleep problems, and eating changes clustered together in certain groups, indicating that vulnerable populations face multiple simultaneous challenges during Ramadan rather than isolated issues.
This research adds important regional specificity to existing knowledge about fasting and health. Previous studies have shown that time-restricted eating affects sleep and mood, but this study is among the first to systematically examine how these effects vary by gender, age, and geography within a single country. The finding that women experience greater psychological distress during Ramadan aligns with some previous research on gender differences in response to lifestyle changes, though the magnitude of the effect (35% higher odds) is notable. The geographic variation is particularly novel and suggests that future research should examine regional factors more closely.
This study has several important limitations. First, it used convenience sampling, meaning participants were recruited based on availability rather than random selection, which may not represent all Saudi adults. Second, all data came from self-reports on a questionnaire, which can be influenced by memory problems or people’s desire to give socially acceptable answers. Third, the study was conducted in March 2025 during one Ramadan period, so results may not apply to other years or different populations. Fourth, the cross-sectional design captures only one moment in time and cannot prove that fasting caused the observed changes—only that associations exist. Finally, the study did not measure actual sleep duration or eating quantity, relying instead on participants’ perceptions of changes.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, public health authorities in Saudi Arabia should develop targeted mental health support for women and middle-aged adults during Ramadan, particularly in eastern regions. Healthcare providers should screen for sleep problems and mood changes in these vulnerable groups. Individuals, especially women and those aged 26-60, should proactively monitor their sleep and mood during fasting and seek support if they notice significant changes. Employers should consider flexible schedules during Ramadan to reduce daytime fatigue. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on a single cross-sectional study; stronger evidence would come from intervention trials.
Women fasting during Ramadan should pay special attention to mood changes and sleep quality. Adults aged 26-60 should be aware they’re at higher risk for sleep disruption. Residents of eastern Saudi Arabia may need extra support. Healthcare providers, employers, and community leaders should use these findings to develop support systems. People with existing mental health conditions or sleep disorders should consult their doctors before or during Ramadan. Young adults (18-25) and men appear to experience fewer effects based on this study, though individual variation is important.
Changes in sleep, mood, and eating patterns typically begin within the first few days of fasting as the body adjusts to the new schedule. Most people adapt somewhat over the course of Ramadan (about 30 days), though some effects may persist throughout. Mood and sleep usually return to baseline within a few days to a week after Ramadan ends. However, if someone experiences significant depression or sleep problems, these may take longer to resolve and warrant professional attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fasting during Ramadan affect mental health and mood?
Research shows that Ramadan fasting does affect mental health, particularly for women and middle-aged adults. A 2025 study of 464 Saudi adults found women had 35% higher odds of depressive feelings. Effects vary by age, gender, and location, with some groups experiencing more significant mood changes than others.
Who is most at risk for sleep problems during Ramadan fasting?
Adults aged 26-60 and residents of eastern Saudi Arabia face the highest risk of sleep disturbances during Ramadan. People in eastern regions had more than double the odds of sleep problems. Middle-aged and older adults appear more vulnerable to the sleep-wake cycle disruptions that fasting creates.
Can Ramadan fasting change how much or what I eat?
Yes, research shows that Ramadan fasting significantly alters eating patterns and behaviors. A 2025 study found that middle-aged adults and employed individuals were more likely to experience changes in eating habits and eat for reasons other than hunger during fasting periods.
What can I do to manage mood and sleep changes during Ramadan?
Monitor your mood and sleep daily using a simple tracking system. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule despite your shifted eating times. If you’re a woman or aged 26-60, pay extra attention to mood changes. Seek professional support if depression or sleep problems persist beyond a few days.
Are the effects of Ramadan fasting permanent?
No, effects are temporary. Most people experience changes in mood, sleep, and eating during the fasting month, but these typically return to baseline within a few days to a week after Ramadan ends. However, significant mood or sleep problems may warrant professional attention.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily mood using a simple 1-10 scale each evening, sleep quality (poor/fair/good), and whether you ate primarily due to hunger or other reasons. Record these three metrics daily during Ramadan to identify personal patterns and share with a healthcare provider if concerns arise.
- Set a daily sleep schedule reminder for 30 minutes before your target bedtime during Ramadan, even though your eating schedule has shifted. Use the app to log when you break your fast and when you eat again, helping you maintain consistent eating times that support better sleep.
- Create a weekly mood and sleep summary within the app that compares your baseline (pre-Ramadan) to your current week. If you notice your mood score dropping below 6/10 for more than 3 consecutive days or sleep quality declining significantly, the app should prompt you to reach out to a healthcare provider or counselor.
This research describes associations observed during one Ramadan period in Saudi Arabia and cannot prove that fasting directly causes mental health, sleep, or eating changes. Individual experiences vary widely. If you experience significant depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or eating concerns during or after fasting, consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. People with existing mental health conditions, sleep disorders, or eating disorders should discuss fasting with their healthcare provider before beginning.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.