The Man Who Survived 40 Years Without Sleep

rockin'robin

rockin'robin

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We spend a third of our lives sleeping. It is one of our most basic needs. Studies have shown that adequate sleep promotes immune function, healing and much more. Sleeping is such an innate drive that people will actually choose it over eating.




A good night’s sleep is one of life’s sweetest blessings. And yet, nobody knows what sleep really is–not even neuroscientists.

You’ve probably heard that we need to do it in order to stay sane, to stay alive, but beyond that, much of its exact function still remains a mystery. When people don’t get enough sleep, they begin to hallucinate and go slightly crazy. Sleep deprivation paints a very stark picture. It can result in psychotic episodes and breakdowns, pre-sleep twilight, weight loss, dementia, paranoia, and yes, even death.

If you happen to suffer from bouts of insomnia, then you know just how important it is to get some shut eye. You’ll also be able to sympathize with the subject of this bizarre medical case from 1915. He is one of the only known people to have ever survived without sleep for an extended period of time.

During the First World War, Paul Kern, a Hungarian soldier, was shot in the head. After recovering from the frontal lobe injury, he was no longer able to fall asleep or become drowsy, not even with narcotics, sedatives, or hypnotism. Doctors initially told him that he wouldn’t live very long, but they were shocked to discover they were completely wrong.

Kern thrived. Instead of sleeping, he would simply lie down and close his eyes to rest from time to time. He went on to live a healthy, abundant life and survive without sleep for 40 years, until his death in 1955.

So, how long can humans stay awake? The answer remains unclear.

http://firsttoknow.com/survive-without-sleep/?utm_source=facebookpage
 
Paul Kern....

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


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For the U.S. Army officer, see Paul J. Kern.


Paul Kern


Died
1955
Budapest

Nationality
Hungarian

Occupation
Soldier

Paul Kern (? - 1955) was a Hungarian soldier who was shot in the head by a Russian soldier in 1915 during World War I.[1] The bullet removed part of his frontal lobe. Rather than killing him, this made him unable to sleep.[2]

Biography[edit]

At the outbreak of World War I, Kern volunteered as a cadet in the Hungarian army. He was placed in command of a company of shock troops. While with this company, he was awarded a medal for bravery. A year later, he was transferred to another company where he was rewarded for his defense of an important sector despite the rest of his company being shot down.

After being shot in the head by a Russian soldier and losing part of his frontal lobe, he was taken to Lemberg Hospital. After waking up at Lemberg, he never slept again.[3] Ernst Frey, professor of mental and nervous diseases at the Eötvös Loránd University, treated Kern but was unable to find a cause for this abnormality.[4]

After having been injured and leaving the army, Kern moved to Budapest. While there, he worked daily in the Pensions Department.[5]

Kern is said to have lived for another 40 years after his injury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Kern
 
Imagine how much I would get done if I didnt need 8 hours of sleep!
 
"That's incredible!" Well, that story should be on that show.
 
Sounds like he was at least 60 when he passed.....
 
Without sleep, brain lack the oxygen that need to. I'm surprise, that person live that long...

What's odd is... he have no birthdate.
 
PowerON said:
Without sleep, brain lack the oxygen that need to. I'm surprise, that person live that long...

What's odd is... he have no birthdate.
Click to expand...

That was common in the 1800 in some countries my, dad was from Russia and he had no birthdate , his father gave dad 3 birthdates so could get this son a job if he was too young or too old . Dad had to work to help support his family at a young age. Dad picked out his birthday when he was old enough to do it.
 
I was told you die if no sleep for over a month but if the sleep centre of brain not there then why should you feel ill or sleepy.i myself would give a lot for 8hous kip
 
whatdidyousay! said:
That was common in the 1800 in some countries my, dad was from Russia and he had no birthdate , his father gave dad 3 birthdates so could get this son a job if he was too young or too old . Dad had to work to help support his family at a young age. Dad picked out his birthday when he was old enough to do it.
Click to expand...

And he didn't tell us how old he is. ಠ_ಠ
 
I going take me zenicol and nytol and pray get nights sleep...maybe if these drugs been around then or eeg he may slept just no sleep laboratory at the time to see properly
 
Wondering if he ever experienced any black outs?...and back in those days...a few swallows of moon shine would put most people on the floor....:giggle:
 
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