Ramadan Fasting Impacts Sleep, Fatigue, and Academic Performance in Iraqi University Students

Public health data from a recent study conducted among Iraqi medical students at the University of Mosul has revealed significant impacts of Ramadan fasting on students' sleep patterns, fatigue levels, and academic performance. The study findings demonstrate that fasting-related sleep disruptions were reported by 90.1% of students, with low academic performance observed in 61.4% of students. The research suggests that fatigue negatively correlates with outcomes, but high-achieving students may maintain their performance despite challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The study involved 922 Iraqi medical students from the University of Mosul, who were surveyed between March 26 and April 9, 2024.
• 90.1% of students reported fasting-related sleep disruptions, while 61.4% observed low academic performance.
• Fatigue levels were found to be significantly higher in students who fasted, with 57.9% experiencing physical fatigue and 42.2% experiencing mental fatigue.
• High-achieving students (those with good academic performance) were more likely to maintain their performance despite challenges related to fasting.
• The research suggests that institutions should adapt policies to accommodate the unique challenges faced by fasting students and that targeted interventions to support student wellbeing during religious observances may be beneficial.

Statistics:

• 90.1% of students reported fasting-related sleep disruptions.
• 61.4% of students observed low academic performance.
• 57.9% of students experienced physical fatigue.
• 42.2% of students experienced mental fatigue.
• 922 Iraqi medical students were surveyed in the study.

Sources:

• BMC Public Health, 2025,25(1):1-9. (BMC Public Health - http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com)
• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-24482-6
• Health & Medicine Week, 2025, Volume 2901, p 2901.