Modern sleep scientists believe that sleep deprivation has deleterious effects on mental concentration, memory, mood, and quality of life. In addition, recent data indicate that sleep deprivation impairs endocrine and metabolic functions. [[1],[2]]
Islam also emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep. One Hadith by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in Sahih Al-Bukhari (SB) says, “If anyone of you feels drowsy while praying he should go to bed (sleep) till his slumber is over” (Reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari210). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) told one of his companions (Ibn Amr) who was praying the whole night “Offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you” (Reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari 1874). Once the Prophet (Peace be upon him) entered the Mosque and saw a rope hanging in between its two pillars. He said, “What is this rope?”The people said, “This rope is for Zainab, who, when she feels tired, holds it (to keep standing for the prayer.)” The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Don’t use it. Remove the rope. You should pray as long as you feel active, and when you get tired, sleep” (Reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari 1099).
Another Hadith narrated by Aisha (wife of the Prophet [Peace be upon him]) in Musnad Ahmed (MA) tells of a woman from the tribe of Bani Asad, who was sitting with Aisha when Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) came to my house and said, “Who is this?” Aisha replied, “She is so and so”. She does not sleep at night because she is engaged in prayer. The Prophet said disapprovingly, “Do (good) deeds which are within your capacity as Allah never gets tired of giving rewards till you get tired of doing good deeds” [Reported by Musnad Ahmed 25244].
[1] Goel N, Rao H, Durmer JS, Dinges DF. Neurocognitive consequences of sleep deprivation. Semin Neurol 2009; 29:320-39.
[2] Mullington JM, Haack M, Toth M, Serrador JM, Meier-Ewert HK. Cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic consequences of 192 sleep deprivation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 51:294-302.
