Does Ramadan Really Affect Footballer Performance
The Holy festival of Ramadan starts next month with many top stars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema taking part in the month-long fasting but Does Ramadan Really Affect Footballer Performance?
When most of us hear the word Ramadan, our brain automatically thinks of Muslims, and rightly so. We think of Muslims from all walks of life; Lawyers, doctors and so forth. However, we often fail to realize that Muslims are also involved in sports activities as well.
Ramadan is a religious fasting event that takes place annually and involves every Muslim across the globe. They refrain from food, water, smoking and even drinking for a period of 29 to 30 days.
The Islam religion requires them to have a pre-fast meal before dawn, and have a fast-breaking meal at dusk.
It has been reported in the past that some players like of former Arsenal and Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh opted to take a break from Ramadan fasting during matchdays and account for them later in the year.
Other players such as Mo Salah have been said to fallow the fasting period to the letter, although an exception was made for the 2018-19 Champions League Final against Real Madrid.
There have been a number of interviews with Muslim players over the years with many saying that fasting does not affect their performance but what ways could a footballer be affected in this period?
Sleep Deprivation
Studies have shown that fasting has a disruptive effect on the normal sleeping pattern. Notably, those involved in fasting have been reported to experience more periods of wakefulness and reduction in rapid eye movement at night.
This is most likely because of the large meal intake at night. Large meals at night are associated with the increase in cortisol and insulin levels in the body.
These two hormones are responsible for the provision of energy, hence the lack of sleep at night.
Ramadan entails one should abstain from any form of calorie intake during the day. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in energy levels.
This might influence the individual to take naps during the day.
Energy Level and Fatigue
Fatigue is a by product of fasting. It can be attributed to low energy production from decreased levels of cortisol and insulin.
Fatigue will considerably affect athletic performance negatively. However, studies have shown that if the fasting player’s schedule is controlled, the effects will be reduced considerably.
Maybe even to a point that the performance level is not influenced or affected negatively. Short periods of exercise seem to be generally unaffected.
However, fasting individuals have a harder time when engaging in longer periods of exercise.
Moreover, studies have reported increased energy levels and high performance in the morning among fasting individuals.
Muslims partake in a pre- fasting meal known as Sahour in the early morning period. This leads to increased cortisol and insulin levels that in turn lead to increased energy levels especially during periods of stress.
Behavioural Changes
Behavioural changes have been reported among fasting individuals during Ramadan. This does not exclude athletes, especially in terms of performance.
Their cognitive function is negatively affected, and in turn, affects their performance. Mood changes are also witnessed among fasting athletes.
This could potentially influence training sessions or even the performance of the athletes on the field. However, if their training and sleep schedule is controlled, the effects can be minimal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fasting does affect athletic performance but controlling and modifying the training schedules can decrease or eliminate the effects significantly.
Fasting also offers advantages that can help the body as it has been shown to detoxify the liver and lead to an increase in the growth hormone.