How Long Can You Go Without Sleep?

how long can you go without sleep

Sleep is a vital part of your daily routine. Without it, your body and mind will not function properly. Getting too little sleep can imapct concentration, judgement and leave your body feeling exhausted. But have you ever wondered - how long can you go without sleep? Let’s find out!

Why Do We Sleep?

There are many reasons why we need to sleep. One of the foremost is to benefit our minds.

Your brain processes a considerable amount of information daily. To properly consolidate and turn that information into strong memories, we require sleep.

If you consider your brain as a computer, this process can be likened to saving a piece of work. While we sleep, much of the information your brain has acquired throughout the day moves from weaker short-term memory to more solidified long-term memory.

With this in mind, we can summarise that sleep helps to expand your long-term memory. Getting a good amount of sleep will help you to remember more information and optimise the performance of your brain.

Did you know that Albert Einstein reportedly slept for at least 10 hours a day?  The average person is thought to sleep only around 6 and a half hours a day. This is a pretty good endorsement to sleep longer, don’t you think?

It’s not just your brain which benefits from sleep either. Your body requires sleep for tissue repair, muscle growth, hormone synthesis and to rejuvenate. If you’ve ever had a bad night’s sleep, you’re sure to feel the effects the next day.

The Longest Somebody Has Gone Without Sleep

In 1964, Randy Gardener set the world record for the longest a human has gone without sleep. Randy stayed awake for an incredible 11 days and 25 minutes (264.4 hours). The previous record was held by Tom Rounds from Honolulu who stayed awake for 260 hours.

There isn’t a set amount of time that a person can go without sleep, but these men certainly pushed themselves to the brink to find out.

Is Not Sleeping Dangerous?

Whilst no record exists of a human being dying directly from sleep deprivation, there is evidence to suggest that it can cause harmful effects. On the topic of sleep deprivation, the NHS states -

“Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes - and it shortens your life expectancy”.

Why You Should Get A Good Amount of Sleep

Sleeping well comes with a ton of benefits, so it’s a good idea to get as much as you need whenever you can. Here are just a few benefits that come from sleeping well -

  • Boosts Mental Well Being.
  • Helps to Keep You Slim.
  • Works to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Strengthens Immunity.
  • Helps Prevent Heart Disease.
  • Increases Sex Drive and Fertility.

It really is incredible how many positive effects can come from simply sleeping well. So, remember this the next time you think about pulling an all-nighter. Of course, if you usually don’t get enough sleep, you may struggle to remember any of this a few days or weeks from now.

Improve Your Sleep with The Best Mattress

Owning a good-quality mattress can do wonders for the quality of your sleep. With a comfy memory foam mattress underneath you, you’re more likely to experience longer periods of deep sleep.

If you’re tired of your current mattress, why not upgrade to the best? Our Best Memory Foam Mattress can help you get a great night’s sleep, every night of the week!


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