Ratty in Ramadan? It’s mostly in the mind!

JEDDAH: Neurologists believe that moody behavior while fasting has a lot to do with food deprivation but can also be eased with psychological preparation, or in other words simply deciding to be in a good mood.
The physical causes are lack of water intake and low glucose levels in the brain. For smokers it is linked to nicotine deprivation, which brings on nervousness, anger, irritability, sleep disturbances and poor concentration.
For non-smokers, agitation and tension can be due to excessive intake of caffeinated drinks and stimulants, just as a sudden stop in consumption can cause one to feel tired, sleepy and moody. For periods of 18 hours or more in which these stimulants are not consumed, many can also experience severe headaches.
Physicians say that feeling ratty is largely psychological, and suggest changing one’s mental perception about nicotine or stimulant withdrawal. Other useful measures to reduce tension include gradually reducing intake before the start of the month, and engaging in light exercise such as walking.
They said the month of Ramadan is an opportunity to quit smoking, which can be achieved with assistance from anti-smoking clinics and membership of various other programs.