Abstract Introduction Ramadan, a month-long period of daytime fasting observed by Muslims worldwide, is associated with delayed sleep onset, fragmented sleep, increased nighttime activity, and reduced total sleep duration, disrupting circadian rhythms and impacting health outcomes. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding Ramadan’s impact on sleep health among Muslim adolescents and young adults. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies to examine changes in sleep and related health outcomes amongst Muslim adolescents and young adults during Ramadan. PROSPERO (CRD420251141599). Methods A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO to identify RCTs and quasi-experimental studies examining sleep outcomes among Muslim adolescents and young adults (ages 12–35) during Ramadan. Studies were included if they met the age criteria and assessed sleep using either subjective or objective measures. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Results A total of 12 studies met inclusion criteria (N = 8 quasi-experimental, 4 RCTs), which primarily examined sleep quality, sleep duration, alertness or daytime sleepiness, sleep timing, and sleep efficiency during Ramadan for Muslim adolescents and young adults. Sleep outcomes were evaluated using validated subjective instruments (e.g., PSQI, ESS, KSS, sleep diaries) and objective measures (e.g., polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, electroencephalography, actigraphy). Among the selected studies, Ramadan fasting was associated with reduced total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, delayed sleep–wake schedules, increased daytime sleepiness, and poorer subjective sleep quality, alongside objective findings of reduced REM sleep and prolonged slow-wave latency. Results further support how Ramadan fasting significantly alters sleep patterns among Muslim adolescents and young adults. Conclusion These findings highlight the clinical relevance of addressing sleep health during Ramadan and the need for targeted, culturally informed interventions. Future research should identify effective strategies for supporting sleep health and evaluate their cognitive, emotional, and physical impacts among Muslim adolescents and young adults. Support (if any) N/A
Niazi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.