The celebration may end with laughter and late-night gatherings, but for many residents, the real aftermath begins the next day, with heavy eyelids, missed alarms and a struggle to stay awake. 'Ghayboubat Al Eid' — which translates to 'Eid coma' — is more than just tiredness; it’s a widespread experience.

The term has become familiar in the Gulf region to describe the intense fatigue that follows Eid Al Fitr, driven by late-night gatherings, heavy meals, and a sudden shift from Ramadan routines. While often joked about, health experts say the condition reflects real physical and mental strain on the body.

For many in the UAE, the experience is deeply relatable. Fatima Hamad, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, says Eid days begin early despite nights that stretch well past midnight. “From morning Eid prayer to family breakfasts and continuous visits, the day is full,” she said. “By the afternoon, most of the family ends up sleeping because of the exhaustion.”

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Others describe similar patterns. Umm Hamed, a resident of Dubai, said her family often stays awake all night during Eid and sleeps after lunch until Maghrib sunset. “We feel extreme fatigue, headaches, even eye pain sometimes because of the lack of sleep,” she explained, adding that returning to a normal routine can be “a bit difficult.”

Younger residents also experience the impact. Yomna Suleiman, a 15-year-old Dubai resident, said her routine shifts significantly during the holiday.
“During Eid, I stay up later than usual, spending time with family and friends, enjoying festive meals, and taking part in celebrations after Ramadan,” she said. “It makes the days feel much longer.”

She added that the disrupted sleep schedule makes it harder to stay focused and energetic. “Ghayboubat Al Eid is something I experience, and it can be challenging to return to a regular routine,” she said. “I try to gradually adjust my sleep schedule after the holiday, but it’s not always easy, especially with school starting again.”

According to Dr Rania Zein Eldin, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine at Burjeel Hospital, fatigue is more than just a temporary slump. Late nights, social gatherings, and heavy meals during Eid often follow a month of altered sleep patterns during Ramadan, which can significantly disrupt the body’s internal rhythm.

“Interrupted sleep and lack of a proper pattern can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, fatigue, elevated blood pressure, impaired cognitive function, and increased blood sugar levels,” she said.

She notes that sleep disruption affects metabolism, increasing cravings for sugary and fatty foods and reducing the body’s ability to burn fat. At the same time, cognitive performance declines, leading to poor concentration, mood swings, and low energy.

Dr Rania Zein Eldin 

The physical effects can be equally noticeable. “Digestive discomfort, headaches, and weakened immunity are common during this period,” she added, warning that prolonged disruption may contribute to long-term health risks such as obesity and cardiovascular disease if not managed properly.

Dr Zara Ahmed, Specialist Emergency Medicine at RAK Hospital, highlights that the issue stems from disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm, its natural internal clock.

“When people stay awake until 2am or 3am for several nights, the body’s system becomes destabilised,” she said. “This leads to hormonal imbalances, increased stress levels, and reduced immune function.”

She also addressed a common misconception: that long daytime naps can compensate for lost nighttime sleep.

Dr Zara Ahmed 

“Short naps of 20 to 30 minutes can help,” she explained, “but long daytime sleep often makes things worse by further disrupting the sleep cycle and causing grogginess.”

Beyond individual discomfort, the post-Eid fatigue can affect daily life as routines resume. Many residents report difficulty waking up for work or school, reduced productivity, and lingering tiredness that can last for days after the holiday ends.

Health experts recommend a gradual return to normal sleep patterns rather than abrupt changes. Adjusting bedtime by 30 to 45 minutes each day, maintaining a consistent wake-up time, and getting morning sunlight can help reset the body clock.

Other practical steps include avoiding heavy late-night meals, limiting caffeine after midday, reducing screen time before bed, and incorporating light physical activity during the day. Experts also advise prioritising sleep quality over quantity, especially during the transition period.

While 'Ghayboubat Al Eid' is a shared cultural experience, doctors stress that recovery is possible with small, consistent adjustments. Balancing Eid traditions with mindful sleep and daily routines can help residents start the post-holiday days feeling refreshed rather than drained.