Human beings are able to survive numerous days without sleep, although their functions will decrease dramatically to the point where some will hallucinate; meanwhile, the few afflicted with the condition of perpetual insomnia ultimately end up dying a painful death from multiple organ failure.
The detrimental effects of sleep loss have been well-documented, but for those who go days without sleep, the impact can be severe.
In 1965, 17-year old high school student Randy Gardner stayed up for 264 hours, or about 11 days for a science fair project, in what is reportedly a world record.
As time went on, he showed significantly deteriorating levels of concentration, perception, and other higher mental processes, though
