As daily routines soften and the pace of life shifts during Ramadan, the impact on mental and emotional well-being often becomes more noticeable and it’s important In this conversation, Dr Dana Jammal of Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai explores the psychological effects of fasting, changes in sleep patterns, and increased reflection, offering insight into why the month can feel both challenging and deeply grounding. From heightened emotional awareness to the calming power of structure and connection, she unpacks how Ramadan can support greater mental clarity, resilience and long-term emotional balance.
Ramadan brings a noticeable shift in daily rhythm. From a psychological. From a perspective, how do these changes in routine initially affect stress levels and emotional balance?
Any significant shift in routine places temporary demands on the nervous system. Early in Ramadan, changes in eating, sleep and daily structure can create a sense of disequilibrium, which may initially heighten stress or emotional sensitivity. Psychologically, the mind is adjusting to uncertainty and changes, which can briefly disrupt emotional balance before a new rhythm settles
in.
Many people report the first week of fasting as the most challenging. What is happening mentally and emotionally during this adjustment phase?
During the first week, both the brain and body are adapting. Reduced glucose availability, disrupted sleep, and altered daily cues can make emotions feel more immediate or intense. People may experience increased irritability or mental fatigue because familiar regulation strategies – such as eating on demand – are temporarily unavailable.
How does fasting influence mood and emotional awareness beyond hunger and fatigue? Are people more in tune with their emotions during Ramadan?
Yes, many people report heightened emotional awareness. Fasting reduces external distractions and habitual coping behaviours, which can bring emotions into clearer focus. Without immediate access to food or stimulation as regulatory tools, individuals may become more aware of the underlying emotional states, relational needs or stress patterns that are usually less visible in the pace of day-to-day life.
As the month progresses, many individuals describe feeling calmer or more grounded. What explains this shift from a mental health point of view?
Predictability returns as the nervous system adapts. Regular prayer, structured fasting hours and a slower daily tempo can create a sense of psychological containment. Over time, this consistency supports emotional regulation, which can lead to feelings of calm, grounding and mental clarity for many individuals.
Communal elements such as shared iftars and increased family time are central to Ramadan. How does this sense of connection impact emotional wellbeing?
Human connection is a powerful regulator of emotional wellbeing. Shared rituals, communal meals and collective spiritual practice foster belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. These experience can activate social bonding systems that support mood stability and emotional resilience.
Ramadan often encourages reflection and slowing down. How can this intentional pause support stress management and mental clarity?
Slowing down interrupts chronic stress patterns. With a quieter pace, the mind has space to process rather than react. This reflective pause reduces cognitive overload, allowing individuals to notice stress signals earlier and respond more thoughtfully rather than operating on autopilot.
For those who struggle with anxiety or emotional overwhelm, what gentle mindset shifts can help them navigate Ramadan more positively?
Viewing emotional sensitivity as a normal part of adjustment – rather than a personal failure – can be helpful and regulating. Approaching Ramadan with curiosity instead of pressure and allowing emotional experiences to be informative rather than something to suppress often reduces anxiety about “not doing it right.”
Sleep patterns change significantly during the month. How do altered sleep schedules affect mood, and what small adjustments can help protect mental wellbeing?
Sleep disruption can increase emotional reactivity and reduce frustration tolerance. Even modest consistency – such as protecting a short daytime rest or maintaining regular wake times – can support emotional regulation.
Do you see lasting mental health benefits after Ramadan ends, particularly for individuals who embrace its reflective and mindful aspects?
Yes, particularly for individuals who internalise the reflective aspects of Ramadan. Increased emotional awareness, improved self-regulation and clearer insight into personal needs often extend beyond the month. These benefits tend to endure when the intentional mindset developed during Ramadan is integrated into everyday life.
What is one emotional or psychological lesson from Ramadan that people can carry forward into everyday life long after the month is over?
That slowing down is not a loss of productivity but often a gain in clarity. Ramadan reminds us that emotional insight and balance emerge not from constant activity, but from presence, reflection, and intention.
By Lindsay Judge
