Scientific parallels of sleep physiology in the Qur'anic narrative of the Companions of the Cave "the Cave Sleepers".

BACKGROUND

The Qur'anic narrative of the Companions of the Cave (Cave Sleepers, in Arabic "Ashab al-Kahf") describes young believers who experienced a prolonged, divinely induced sleep in a cave, as recounted in verses 18:9-26 of Sūrah Al-Kahf. This account, while spiritual in nature, presents details that parallel modern scientific concepts in sleep physiology, particularly regarding environmental influences and bodily preservation during extended immobility.

OBJECTIVE

To explore scientific parallels between the Qur'anic description of the Cave Sleepers' prolonged sleep and contemporary sleep physiology, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.

METHODS

A comparative analytical descriptive approach was employed, incorporating historical context and established principles for the scientific interpretation of the Qur'an. A comprehensive literature review covered publications from 1970 to July 2024, focusing on sleep physiology, circadian rhythms, and relevant Qur'anic exegesis.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed notable correspondences between the Qur'anic narrative and modern sleep science. The emphasis on noise reduction and controlled light exposure aligns with the current understanding of optimal sleep environments and circadian regulation. The narrative's mention of bodily preservation and periodic turning during sleep reflects modern practices to prevent complications from prolonged immobility, such as pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy. Additionally, the described cave environment mirrors conditions known to support hypometabolic states and sleep consolidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Qur'anic account of the Cave Sleepers resonates with contemporary sleep physiology, particularly in environmental optimization and bodily maintenance during extended sleep. This interdisciplinary exploration encourages new scientific questions and research directions in sleep biology and human physiology.