The Benefits of Taking a Warm Bath During Fasting
The month of fasting is a time when we restrain ourselves from hunger, thirst, and worldly desires from dawn until sunset. During this time, it is important to preserve our energy and well-being throughout the fasting period.
There are various ways to preserve and sustain energy during the fasting month. Some of these include consuming high-fiber foods during pre-dawn meal (sahur), taking supplements or fruits to support energy levels, and maintaining good sleep quality.
According to sleep expert Kate Bridle, getting sufficient sleep is actually crucial during fasting to maintain stable mood, prevent fatigue and lethargy, and keep the mind focused during daytime work.
"It is important for the body to obtain energy from adequate sleep, quality food, and beverages. Our bodies respond to everything we put into them (including sufficient sleep). If we lack any of these factors, our bodies will feel tired, and our emotions and spirits will be indirectly affected," explained the scientist from the London Sleep Centre Dubai, as quoted by The National.
Having a good quality of sleep can make the body feel refreshed upon waking up. It is not necessarily about sleeping according to the circadian rhythm, but with quality sleep, 5-6 hours can be sufficient to make the body feel fresh and ready to fast throughout the day.
One way to achieve quality sleep is by taking a warm bath in the evening. Research spanning decades has also shown that the benefits of taking a warm bath can improve the quality of your sleep. This is because the core body temperature increases when you immerse yourself or get wet with warm water. Then, when you leave the bathroom, the body temperature signals that your body is ready for sleep. This can enhance the quality of your sleep and, of course, make you feel drowsy faster. For those suffering from insomnia, taking a warm bath before bed can be worth a try.
With quality sleep, when you wake up, your body will be sufficiently energized to prepare for suhoor, and the stored energy in your body will not deplete quickly during fasting.