22-09-2023 | Original Article
Investigation of the effect of Ramadan fasting on serum levels of melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin: the case of Turkey
Authors:
Esra Şentürk, Metin Yıldız, Murat Şentürk, Ela Varol, Mehmet Salih Yildirim, Dursun Alper Yilmaz, Mehmet Emin Atay
Published in:
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
|
Issue 2/2024
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Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin levels.
Methods
In this study, the blood of 19 healthy male individuals between the ages of 26 and 51, registered in Agri (Turkey) Family Health Center and fasting during Ramadan, was studied. The study was carried out in 2021–2022. The SPSS-22 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Wilcoxon analysis was used in the study.
Results
It was determined that the pre-test-post-test melatonin and cortisol levels of the individuals were not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was determined that the pre-test-post-test serotonin difference of the individuals was statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion
It has been determined that Ramadan fasting increases the serotonin level of individuals but does not change the levels of melatonin and cortisol. It was determined that the level of happiness of individuals increased after Ramadan fasting. Longitudinal studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting are recommended.