Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, medical experts are emphasising the importance of both physical and psychological preparation to ensure a safe and balanced fasting experience.
Speaking to Aletihad, specialists at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), highlighted that a holistic approach to Ramadan — one that integrates medical guidance with psychological awareness — plays a key role in promoting health, resilience, and overall wellbeing throughout the holy month.
Dr Sundos Ahmed, Specialist in Internal Medicine at SSMC, explained that fasting represents a significant shift in daily routines and bodily functions, making gradual preparation essential. She advised individuals to adjust sleep and meal schedules ahead of Ramadan, reduce caffeine intake, and follow a balanced diet to help the body adapt to long fasting hours.
Dr Ahmed highlighted that medical assessment before Ramadan is particularly crucial for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. “Some cases may require adjusting medication timing or dosages to reduce the risk of complications and ensure safe fasting,” she noted.
From a nutritional perspective, Dr Ahmed stressed the importance of organising meals between iftar and suhoor and avoiding excessive intake of sugars and fats, which can negatively affect energy levels and blood sugar control. She described suhoor as a medically essential meal that helps reduce fatigue and prevent hypoglycemia during the day, recommending it include protein and fibre, alongside adequate hydration.
She also urged fasting individuals to remain alert to warning signs such as severe dizziness, fainting, or symptoms of low blood sugar, emphasising that breaking the fast and seeking medical advice is necessary in such cases to protect health and safety.
Meanwhile, Azizah Almaghyuli, Psychology Specialist at SSMC, addressed Ramadan from a mental health perspective, describing it as a comprehensive psychological experience rather than merely a change in eating and sleeping patterns.
“Any shift in daily rhythm affects the mind,” she explained. “Ramadan can bring feelings of enthusiasm, calm, tension, or fatigue. Understanding these emotional responses is the first step toward adapting consciously rather than resisting the change.”
Almaghyuli noted that psychological preparation is just as important as physical readiness. She explained that sudden changes in routine can increase stress levels, even when the change is positive. Managing expectations, accepting fluctuations in mood and energy, and gradually adjusting sleep patterns can significantly ease the mental transition into Ramadan.
She also highlighted that mood changes during fasting are often linked to the brain’s biochemical response, especially in the early days of Ramadan. While many people eventually experience improved emotional regulation and mental clarity, insufficient sleep and work-related stress can amplify irritability and emotional exhaustion.
To reduce anxiety, Almaghyuli recommended calming the nervous system by minimising overstimulation. Simple practices such as slow breathing, light walking, or sitting quietly for a few minutes daily can act as psychological breaks that prevent stress accumulation.
Addressing the balance between worship, work, and rest, she emphasised that continuous pressure — even with positive intentions — can undermine mental wellbeing. “Psychological rest is not a form of neglect,” she said. “It is essential for mindfulness, emotional presence, and a meaningful spiritual experience.”
