What happens if you go several days without sleep, and how many days can you go without it?

Going without sleep for days can have serious negative effects on your body and brain. In the short term, even one night without sleep can cause difficulties with concentration, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. Over successive days, the effects can become more severe.

The official Guinness World Record for the longest time without sleep is 11 days, set by Randy Gardner in 1964. However, this is not advisable, as sleep deprivation can lead to severe cognitive and physical health issues, including hallucinations, paranoia, and impaired motor functions. Chronic sleep deprivation can even lead to severe health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The exact number of days a person can survive without sleep has not been conclusively determined, as it can vary from person to person due to differences in physical health and lifestyles. However, it is clear that going without sleep for an extended period is harmful and can pose serious risks to one's health.

It's important to note that Randy Gardner's record is not something to be attempted or admired as a feat; the stunt was done under supervision and with careful observation. In fact, the consequences of such severe sleep deprivation were profound on his mood, cognitive abilities, and physical health, and the experiment has been used to demonstrate the importance of sleep in maintaining health.