RAMADAN, ONLINE EDUCATION, AND SLEEP: AN EXAMINATION OF SLEEP PATTERNS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected all lives globally, online education continued in 2023. This situation has shown that online education is an indispensable alternative at a local or national level for various reasons in the coming years. Past research has demonstrated the potential of online education to bring about changes in students' daily routines. Just like online education, fasting during Ramadan, one of the Muslim societies' religious practices, affects individuals' daily lives in various ways. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of university students' sleep habits during Ramadan and considering the role of online education, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to these changes and provide evidence-based recommendations for maintaining optimal sleep quality. Seventy-four university students from two universities in Turkey were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after Ramadan. The results indicated a significant deterioration in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and overall sleep quality (global PSQI score) during Ramadan. However, no significant changes were observed in sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, and sleep medication usage. The findings underline the need for tailored strategies to support university students' sleep hygiene during Ramadan, particularly in the context of online learning.