re: Longest You've Gone Without Sleep

Sleep deprivation is dangerous. One of the principle reasons we sleep is so the brain can clean itself. It has its own lymphatic system that removes the wastes of metabolism on a regular schedule.

This cleaning process is only functional when we're sleeping. It's easy to see then that sleep deprivation causes a build-up of waste in the brain. Sometimes to fatal levels.

Several posters in this thread have described symptoms of sleep deprivation. Hallucinations are common and can escalate to fugue states wherein one's ability to form memories is affected. This can last for days.

Sleep deprivation is cumulative. You can't "catch up" with just one good night's sleep. It's almost a one-for-one contract that sleep has with your body. Lose one hour of sleep one night and, if allowed, your brain will add one hour to the next night. Don't allow it and you'll feel tired and cranky. Do that habitually and your health will suffer.

Unhealthy sleep patterns can exact a harsh toll on anyone. I learned in college not to do "all nighter cram sessions" before finals because I couldn't remember most of what I had "crammed" into my head the night before the exam. However, if I was well rested before an exam I generally did a lot better.

Far too many people disregard the importance to health of sleeping well. You'll be happier, healthier and more fit mentally and physically if you satisfy your body's need for sleep.