Sleep from neuroscience and Islamic perspectives: comprehension and practices of Muslims with science background in Malaysian education system

Incongruence of sleep activities from the neuroscience perspectives and the Islamic view have resulted in confusion and conflicts in the concept of sleep and related issues among Muslims. This research analyzed sleep from both perspectives, determined the level of comprehension of sleep related concept by Muslims with science background in the Malaysian education system and consequently correlated their understanding to sleep related practices. The need for sleep is a well documented fact from both perspectives. The level of comprehension of sleep from both neuroscience and Islamic perspectives among science teachers and students is low. The findings suggest the importance of sleep and its related activities from both perspectives be made well understood so as to establish good daily sleep practices amongst Muslims in the education system. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.