What is the longest someone has gone without sleep?

How long can someone stay awake without sleeping? It’s a question that’s captured the curiosity of many. We all know sleep is important for our bodies and minds, but there have been some extraordinary cases where people have stayed awake for surprisingly long periods.

These stories not only show how resilient humans can be but also make us wonder about the limits of our abilities. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable instances of sleep deprivation and what they teach us about the human condition.
19 days without sleep

Meet Robert McDonald, the man who achieved a remarkable feat by staying awake for an astounding 19 days in 1986, setting a world record recognized by Guinness World Records. McDonald’s endurance, staying awake for a total of 453 hours and 40 minutes, captivated the world’s attention.

However, following McDonald’s feat, Guinness ceased monitoring records for prolonged wakefulness due to the inherent risks associated with sleep deprivation.

17-YEAR-OLD GARDNER STAYED AWAKE FOR 11 DAYS AND 24 MINUTES

Before McDonald, the record for extended wakefulness was held by two 17-year-old students, Randy Gardner and Bruce McAllister. They undertook a science project in which they managed to stay awake for 264 hours (11 days).

Reflecting on their youthful endeavor, McAllister admitted in a 2018 interview that they were unaware of the consequences of such sleep deprivation at the time, with Gardner being the primary participant.

Gardner’s experience was closely observed by Dr. William Dement, a prominent sleep researcher at Stanford University. Despite engaging in activities like basketball and arcade games to keep him occupied, Gardner experienced significant cognitive and physical impacts from his prolonged wakefulness.

Dr. Dement noted a decline in Gardner’s analytical abilities, perception, motivation, memory, and motor control, alongside hallucinations, delusions, and a severely diminished attention span.

While Gardner did not suffer long-term effects, he later developed insomnia in his 60s, a condition he struggled with for nearly a decade before experiencing some improvement, albeit limited to around six hours of sleep per night.

In subsequent years, attempts to surpass Gardner’s record were made, such as Tony Wright’s endeavour in 2007, although he fell short, managing to stay awake for 266 hours. Wright recounted the toll it took on his body and mind, emphasising the significant repercussions of prolonged sleep deprivation.

While these instances may push the boundaries of what we thought possible, they also underscore the critical importance of regular, quality sleep for our overall health and well-being. As we marvel at these extraordinary feats, let us also remember to prioritise our own sleep hygiene and recognise the significance of rest in maintaining our physical and mental vitality.

Ultimately, the stories of sleepless endurance serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring capabilities and limitations of the human condition. Happy World Sleep Day !

Women need more sleep than men, 7-8 hours are not enough World Sleep Day: Best sleeping position for neck and spine