Exploring Sleep Quality and Driving Behaviors in Ramadan among Fasting Adults

Objectives: Every year, Muslims not only fast during the month of Ramadan but also adjust their daily routine, including the time of sleep and work. This study aimed to explore sleep quality before and during Ramadan, as well as aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, chasing, cutting lanes, and honking the car horn before and after having the Iftar meal. Material and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study design to distribute an online survey. The questionnaire included three domains which are sleep quality, driving behaviors, and demographics. Results: A total of 522 participants completed the questionnaire, with 71% male. The results showed that the sleep quality score significantly decreased from 6.84 ± 2.16 before Ramadan to 4.95 ± 2.36 during Ramadan ( P < 0.001). In addition, participants were more likely to feel angry when a slow driver blocks the fast lane, a driver cuts into their lane, they are being tailgated or stuck in heavy traffic when fasting compared to after Iftar ( P < 0.001). Participants were also more likely to engage in speeding to overtake a slow driver, chasing another driver, and honking to express anger when fasting compared to after Iftar ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings provide information about sleep quality and drivers’ behaviors that are altered during Ramadan. Our results indicate that sleep quality declines during Ramadan and that the participants are more likely to feel angry when driving while fasting. The information can inform public health practitioners to advise the public on maintaining a healthy sleep routine during Ramadan and avoiding driving before Iftar time. This information can be used in public health campaigns to raise awareness among fasting individuals to take care of their health and safety.