Could you eliminate sleep from your life? Think of all the extra hours you’d gain. More time to work on projects, hang out with friends, or indulge in hobbies.
However, sleep is crucial for brain maintenance. During sleep, your brain regenerates neurons and forms new memories. Without sleep, these processes can’t happen.
What really happens to your body and mind when you don’t sleep? Here is some historical cases of extreme sleep deprivation.
Randy Gardner (1964)
In 1964, Randy Gardner, a high school student, set a world record by staying awake for 11 days straight. His goal was to see how long he could go without sleep for a science fair project. During this time, Randy experienced severe cognitive and physical impairments, including memory loss, hallucinations, and mood swings.
Thái Ngọc
Thái Ngọc, a Vietnamese farmer, claimed he hadn’t slept for 45 years. Although he didn’t feel tired, he described feeling like a plant without water due to his insomnia. Experts believe Thái Ngọc might have experienced sleep state misperception, where people think they’re awake even when they’re actually having microsleeps.
Al Herpin
Al Herpin, known as the “Man Who Never Slept,” claimed he never slept a single night in his life. Many are sceptical of his claims, thinking he might have experienced microsleeps without realizing it. Sleep misperception could explain his unusual sleep pattern.
Short-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation
First 24 Hours
In the first 24 hours without sleep, you might feel surprisingly energetic and happy because your brain releases dopamine. However, this feeling won’t last. Soon, your reactions will slow down, and your memory will start to falter.
36 Hours Without Sleep
After 36 hours, your body struggles to metabolize glucose, leaving you with less energy. You might start to look pale and notice more wrinkles. Your immune system also begins to weaken, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Long-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation
48-72 Hours
By this point, you’ll start experiencing microsleeps – brief moments where your brain shuts down for a few seconds. These can be dangerous, especially if you’re driving or operating machinery. Your risk of accidents increases as your body continues to shut down non-essential functions.
Hallucinations and Cognitive Decline
After three days without sleep, you’ll start to hallucinate. Your brain, starved of REM sleep, will blur the line between reality and dreams. Your judgement, creativity, and decision-making skills will decline, making you act like someone who is severely drunk.
The Ultimate Consequence
Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI) is a rare genetic disorder that prevents people from sleeping and eventually leads to death. Those with FFI experience severe brain and body degeneration over a few months. This condition highlights how crucial sleep is for survival.
The Importance of Sleep for the Body and Mind
Physical Restoration
Sleep is crucial for physical health. While you sleep, your body releases hormones and repairs tissues, replacing old cells with new ones. It’s especially important for muscle growth and fat burning. Without sleep, your body misses out on these critical processes.
Brain Maintenance
Your brain also needs sleep to function properly. During different stages of sleep, your brain performs various maintenance tasks. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is particularly important for learning and memory. This is when your brain processes new information and forms new connections.
To sum it up, long-term sleep deprivation can cause permanent brain damage, weaken your immune system, and even lead to death. It’s essential to get enough sleep to maintain your health and well-being.
While staying awake might seem like a great way to get more done, the consequences are severe. From impaired memory and judgment to hallucinations and even death, the risks far outweigh the benefits. So, prioritize your sleep and ensure you get the recommended 6-8 hours each night.
Featured image credits: Pinterest / Health
