Endurance of Sleeplessness: Timeframe for Remaining Awake
Snooze, or Lose: The Risks of Skimping on Sleep
Back in 1963, a 17-year-old named Randy Gardner accomplished a rather peculiar feat. He successfully went without sleep for 11 days and 25 minutes—taking the world record for longest awake stretch. Fast forward to today, and this category has been scrapped by the Guinness Book of World Records because, well, it's that harmful.
We might not fully grasp why we need shut-eye, but rest assured, it's vital for our well-being. As behavioral sleep medicine expert, Michelle Drerup, PsyD, DBSM, explains, sleep plays a crucial role in our physical, cognitive, and mental health.
So, just how damaging is skipping some Zs? Let's dive into the dangers of acute sleep deprivation.
The Lonely Night Shift
Remember those all-nighters? We've all had them, whether it's for a forgotten assignment, a marathon travel day, or a wild party. Despite their frequency, turning night into day isn't a regular habit we should adopt.
Going without sleep for 24 hours may seem harmless, but it impairs judgment, coordination, and memory. It's similar to having a blood alcohol content above the U.S. legal limit, so it's hardly surprising that we experience impaired reactions, slurred speech, and increased stress hormones.
The Terrible Trio: 36, 48, 72 Hours of No Sleep
As Dr. Drerup explains, going 36 hours without sleep can result in higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. And the trouble doesn't stop there—extended periods without sleep will intensify the symptoms we've already discussed.
By the time we've been awake for 48 hours, we might experience involuntary, short periods of sleep known as microsleep. This can last up to 30 seconds and could potentially lead to accidents if we nod off while driving or in other vulnerable situations.
≥ 72 hours of no sleep is uncharted territory, primarily due to ethical considerations. Regardless, once you've been awake for three days, your ability to regulate emotions and perceive reality becomes severely compromised. This can result in irritability, hallucinations, and difficulty interpreting emotions or human forms.
Insomnia: When Sleep Evades Us
While most people manage to get some shut-eye each day, even if it feels inadequate, those dealing with insomnia might bewide awake. If your sleep disorders cause concern, it's essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
In some cases, insomnia is a manifestation of extreme stress or a manic episode. If your sleeplessness persists and impacts your daily life, consider consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist to rule out any underlying mental health issues.
The Battle Between Short and Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Although the short-term effects of sleep deprivation are dramatic, they usually dissipate once we've caught up on some sleep. However, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious long-term consequences, including cognitive decline, memory loss, mood disorders, and increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
With over one-third of Americans struggling to get enough sleep, it's crucial to prioritize sleep health. Mind your bedtime and bob over to a doctor if your lack of sleep interferes with your daily activities or overall well-being.
Science has shown that sleep plays a significant role in our physical, cognitive, and mental health, as it affects health, wellness, and mental health. Skipping sleep for 24 hours can lead to impaired judgment, coordination, and memory, similar to being under the influence. Prolonged sleep deprivation for 36 hours can lead to higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, while 48 hours without sleep can cause microsleeps, which can potentially lead to accidents. Chronic sleep deprivation can result in serious long-term consequences, such as cognitive decline, memory loss, mood disorders, and increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
