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Hidden Brain

The haunting effects of going days without sleep.

Shankar Vedantam

Decades ago, Randy Gardner stayed awake for 11 days. He broke a record in the process, but the teenage stunt has come back to haunt him. At 71, he offers wisdom about staying up past your bedtime.

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Randy Gardner, the 17-year-old schoolboy who didn't sleep for 11 days

By Graham Lawton

14 April 2010

Randy Gardner went without sleep for 11 days

(Image: Don Cravens/Getty)

On 28 December 1963, Randy Gardner, a 17-year-old schoolboy in San Diego, California, got up at 6 am feeling wide awake and raring to go. He didn’t go back to sleep again until the morning of 8 January 1964. That’s 11 days without sleep.

Gardner’s 264 hours remains the longest scientifically verified period without sleep, breaking the previous record of 260 hours. It was described in a 1965 paper by sleep researcher William Dement of the Stanford University School of Medicine in California, who stayed awake with Gardner for the final three days.

Gardner experienced mood swings, memory and attention lapses, loss of coordination, slurred speech and hallucinations, but was otherwise fine. His first sleep after those 11 days lasted just 14 hours.

According to Dement, Gardner did not consume any stimulants during his “wakeathon”. He did, however, have people around him keeping him awake. Without such help you would be fighting hard to stay awake after 36 hours, and would find the urge to sleep near-irrepressible by 48.

But you’d probably be snatching subtle bursts of sleep even before you finally went to bed: sleep-deprived people slip in and out of “microsleeps” – seconds of sleep that occur without you noticing them, often with your eyes open.

Microsleeps aside, how long could Gardner have gone on for? Nobody knows for sure, but we do know that sleep deprivation is eventually fatal. Rats that are kept awake die after two weeks, less time than it takes them to starve to death.

There are no records of a human having been intentionally kept awake…

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Randy Gardner’s Sleep Deprivation Experiment: A Groundbreaking Study in Human Endurance

Defying the sandman’s embrace, one high school student’s audacious quest to stay awake for 11 days straight would forever alter our understanding of human endurance and the crucial role of sleep. In 1963, 17-year-old Randy Gardner embarked on a groundbreaking experiment that would push the boundaries of human physiology and challenge our understanding of sleep deprivation. This daring endeavor, which began as a high school science fair project, would ultimately become one of the most famous and influential sleep studies in scientific history.

Randy Gardner, a high school student from San Diego, California, conceived the idea for his sleep deprivation experiment as a way to explore the limits of human endurance and the effects of prolonged wakefulness on the human body and mind. Little did he know that his ambitious project would captivate the attention of researchers, medical professionals, and the general public alike, sparking a renewed interest in the field of sleep science.

The purpose of Gardner’s experiment was to investigate the physiological and psychological impacts of extreme sleep deprivation on a healthy individual. By voluntarily subjecting himself to 264 consecutive hours without sleep, Gardner aimed to shed light on the body’s response to prolonged wakefulness and the potential consequences of pushing human limits to such extremes. The significance of this study lay not only in its unprecedented duration but also in the meticulous documentation and scientific observation that accompanied it.

The Setup and Execution of Gardner’s Experiment

The planning and preparation for Gardner’s sleep deprivation study were crucial to its success and scientific validity. While the experiment began as a high school science fair project, it quickly garnered the attention of researchers and medical professionals who recognized its potential significance. Dr. William Dement, a renowned sleep researcher from Stanford University, and Lt. Cmdr. John J. Ross of the U.S. Navy Medical Neuropsychiatric Research Unit in San Diego, joined the project to provide professional oversight and ensure Gardner’s safety throughout the experiment.

The role of these researchers and supervisors was multifaceted. They were responsible for monitoring Gardner’s physical and mental health, documenting observations, and conducting regular tests to assess his cognitive function and overall well-being. Their presence also lent credibility to the study, elevating it from a simple high school project to a scientifically rigorous experiment that would later be published in reputable medical journals.

To keep Gardner awake for the duration of the experiment, a variety of methods were employed. His friends and fellow students took turns staying with him around the clock, engaging him in conversation, playing games, and encouraging physical activity to combat fatigue. They would often take him on walks or car rides to stimulate his senses and keep him alert. Music, radio programs, and television were also used to provide mental stimulation and prevent Gardner from succumbing to sleep.

Monitoring techniques and data collection were essential components of the experiment. Gardner underwent regular physical examinations, including checks of his vital signs, reflexes, and coordination. Cognitive tests were administered at frequent intervals to assess his mental acuity, memory, and problem-solving abilities. These tests included tasks such as mathematical calculations, memory recall, and reaction time measurements. Sleep Tests: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Sleep Studies were not as advanced in the 1960s as they are today, but the researchers used the best available methods to gather data on Gardner’s physiological state throughout the experiment.

Physical and Cognitive Effects Observed During the Experiment

As the days of sleeplessness accumulated, Gardner experienced a wide range of physical and cognitive effects. Initially, he remained relatively alert and functional, but as the experiment progressed, the toll of sleep deprivation became increasingly apparent. Changes in Gardner’s alertness and cognitive function were among the most noticeable effects observed by the researchers.

In the early stages of the experiment, Gardner’s cognitive abilities remained relatively intact. However, as the days wore on, he began to exhibit signs of mental fatigue and decreased cognitive performance. His speech became slurred, and he had difficulty concentrating on tasks or following conversations. Memory lapses became more frequent, and he struggled to recall recent events or information.

Physical symptoms and side effects of prolonged sleep deprivation manifested in various ways. Gardner experienced changes in his appetite, alternating between periods of increased hunger and complete loss of appetite. His sense of taste and smell became dulled, and he reported feeling cold even in warm environments. Coordination and balance were also affected, with Gardner exhibiting clumsiness and difficulty performing simple motor tasks.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Gardner’s experience was the occurrence of hallucinations and other psychological impacts. By the fourth day of the experiment, he began to report visual and auditory hallucinations. These ranged from seeing imaginary objects to hearing nonexistent sounds. As the experiment progressed, the hallucinations became more vivid and frequent, providing valuable insights into the effects of sleep deprivation on perception and cognition.

Despite the challenges, Gardner continued to perform daily tasks and tests throughout the experiment. His performance on cognitive assessments declined significantly as the days passed, with reaction times slowing and error rates increasing. Simple tasks that were once effortless became increasingly difficult, highlighting the crucial role that sleep plays in maintaining cognitive function and performance.

Scientific Findings and Implications

Gardner’s experiment yielded several key discoveries about sleep deprivation’s impact on the human body and mind. One of the most significant findings was the body’s remarkable ability to adapt to extreme conditions. Despite the severe lack of sleep, Gardner’s body found ways to compensate, entering brief periods of microsleep that allowed certain brain regions to rest momentarily.

The study also revealed the profound effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function, mood, and perception. Gardner’s experiences with hallucinations and cognitive decline provided valuable insights into the role of sleep in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance. These findings have had far-reaching implications for our understanding of Sleep Deprivation and Brain Health: The Consequences of Insufficient Rest .

When compared to other sleep deprivation studies, Gardner’s experiment stood out for its duration and the comprehensive nature of its observations. While shorter studies had been conducted previously, none had pushed the limits of human endurance to such an extreme. The findings from Gardner’s experiment complemented and expanded upon existing research, providing a more complete picture of the effects of prolonged wakefulness on human physiology and psychology.

The long-term effects on Gardner’s health were a subject of interest and concern. Fortunately, follow-up studies and examinations revealed that Gardner did not suffer any lasting negative consequences from his extreme sleep deprivation. He was able to recover fully after sleeping for 14 hours and 40 minutes following the experiment, and subsequent tests showed no permanent damage to his cognitive or physical functions.

Gardner’s experiment made significant contributions to sleep science and research. It highlighted the importance of sleep for maintaining physical and mental health, and it sparked a renewed interest in studying the functions and mechanisms of sleep. The findings from this study have influenced research in various fields, including neuroscience, psychology, and medicine, contributing to our current understanding of sleep disorders and the development of treatments for sleep-related conditions.

Ethical Considerations and Criticisms

The extreme nature of Gardner’s sleep deprivation experiment inevitably raised ethical concerns and sparked debate within the scientific community. Critics argued that subjecting a young, healthy individual to such prolonged sleep deprivation posed unnecessary risks to their physical and mental well-being. The potential for long-term negative effects, even if not immediately apparent, was a significant concern.

The ethical considerations surrounding extreme sleep deprivation studies extend beyond the immediate risks to participants. There are concerns about the potential for such experiments to encourage dangerous behavior or self-experimentation among the general public. The publicity surrounding Gardner’s experiment could have inadvertently glamorized sleep deprivation, potentially leading others to attempt similar feats without proper medical supervision.

From a modern perspective, conducting similar experiments would likely face significant hurdles in terms of ethical approval and participant safety. Today’s research ethics committees would likely require more stringent safeguards and monitoring protocols to ensure the well-being of participants in sleep studies. The focus has shifted towards less extreme methods of studying sleep deprivation, such as partial sleep restriction or shorter periods of total sleep deprivation, which can still provide valuable insights without posing undue risks to participants.

It’s important to note that Gardner’s experiment had several limitations in its methodology. The lack of a control group and the single-subject design limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the absence of advanced neuroimaging techniques and sleep monitoring equipment, which were not available at the time, meant that certain aspects of Gardner’s physiological responses could not be fully assessed or quantified.

Despite these limitations and ethical concerns, Gardner’s experiment remains a significant milestone in sleep research. It provided valuable observational data and sparked important discussions about the ethics of human subject research, particularly in the context of extreme physiological challenges.

Legacy and Influence of Gardner’s Experiment

The impact of Randy Gardner’s sleep deprivation experiment on public awareness of sleep importance cannot be overstated. The widespread media coverage of his ordeal brought the topic of sleep and its crucial role in human health to the forefront of public consciousness. It sparked conversations about the dangers of sleep deprivation and the potential consequences of pushing the human body to its limits.

Gardner’s experiment has had a lasting influence on subsequent sleep research. It served as a catalyst for more rigorous and ethically conducted studies into the effects of sleep deprivation on human physiology and cognition. Researchers have built upon the observations made during Gardner’s experiment, using more advanced technologies and methodologies to delve deeper into the mechanisms of sleep and its functions.

Years after the experiment, Gardner reflected on his experience and its impact on his life. He has stated that he does not regret participating in the study and believes that the knowledge gained from it has been valuable to science and society. However, he has also emphasized the importance of sleep and cautioned against attempting similar feats of sleep deprivation.

The findings from Gardner’s experiment have found applications in various fields, including medicine, psychology, and neuroscience. They have informed our understanding of sleep disorders, shift work, and the effects of jet lag. The study has also contributed to the development of guidelines for managing fatigue in high-risk professions, such as healthcare, transportation, and the military.

Randy Gardner’s 11-day sleep deprivation experiment stands as a landmark study in the field of sleep research. It pushed the boundaries of human endurance and provided valuable insights into the effects of extreme sleep deprivation on the body and mind. The key findings of the experiment, including the occurrence of microsleeps, cognitive decline, and hallucinations, have significantly contributed to our understanding of sleep’s vital role in maintaining physical and mental health.

The enduring significance of Gardner’s sleep deprivation study lies in its ability to capture public imagination and spark scientific inquiry. It served as a catalyst for further research into sleep and its functions, leading to advancements in our understanding of sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, and the physiological processes that occur during sleep.

Our current understanding of sleep deprivation and its effects has been greatly informed by Gardner’s experiment and the subsequent research it inspired. We now recognize sleep as a fundamental biological need, essential for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. The study of Sleep’s Vital Role: Exploring the Science and Benefits of Why We Sleep has become a crucial area of scientific inquiry, with implications for public health, workplace safety, and personal well-being.

Looking to the future, Gardner’s experiment continues to inspire new directions in sleep research. Scientists are exploring the genetic and neurological basis of sleep, investigating the role of sleep in memory consolidation and learning, and developing innovative treatments for sleep disorders. As technology advances, researchers are able to study sleep and its effects with ever-increasing precision, building upon the foundation laid by pioneering studies like Gardner’s.

In conclusion, Randy Gardner’s sleep deprivation experiment, while ethically controversial by today’s standards, remains a pivotal moment in the history of sleep science. It challenged our understanding of human limits, sparked public interest in the importance of sleep, and paved the way for decades of valuable research. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of sleep, we owe a debt of gratitude to the audacious high school student who dared to defy the sandman and, in doing so, advanced our knowledge of this fundamental aspect of human existence.

References:

1. Dement, W. C. (1972). Some Must Watch While Some Must Sleep. Stanford Alumni Association.

2. Ross, J. J. (1965). Neurological Findings After Prolonged Sleep Deprivation. Archives of Neurology, 12(4), 399-403.

3. Coren, S. (1998). Sleep Thieves: An Eye-Opening Exploration into the Science and Mysteries of Sleep. Free Press.

4. Gupta, S. (2017). The Science of Sleep: What Research Tells Us About Its Mysteries. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/science-of-sleep

5. Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.

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• Man who didn't sleep for a record 264 hours suffered from crippling effects for years after

It all came from a school science project

Chloe Rowland

In 1963, two lads in the US came up with an idea for a school science project, but their experiment would have consequences that lasted for decades.

17-year-old Randy Gardner and his mate Bruce McAllister needed to come up with an idea for a science fair project , and after putting their heads together, decided they wanted to beat the world record for staying awake .

At the time, the record was held by a DJ in Honolulu, who'd managed to stay up for a staggering 260 hours.

Their aim was simple - they wanted to figure out what happens to our brains when we don't sleep .

“We were idiots, you know young idiots,” McAllister recalled .

“[The] first version of it was [to explore] the effect of sleeplessness on paranormal ability.

"We realised there was no way we could do that and so we decided on the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive abilities, performance on the basketball court. Whatever we could come up with."

Luckily for McAllister, a coin toss flip meant he wasn't the unfortunate one to have to go without sleep, meaning it was left to Gardner to stay awake for as long as possible.

“I stayed awake with him to monitor him… and after three night of sleeplessness myself I woke up tipped against the wall writing notes on the wall itself," McAllister explained.

Realising it was harder than it looked, the pair quickly enlisted the help of another mate, and soon after sleep researcher William Dement from Stanford University came on board.

“[Randy’s parents] were very worried that this might be something that would really be harmful to him. Because the question was still unresolved on whether or not if you go without sleep long enough you will die," Dement said.

It's no secret that sleep deprivation has dire effects on your body, including memory issues, risk of heart disease, poor balance and high blood pressure.

Indeed, despite being off to a confident start, the experiment birthed some unexpected results when it came to the lad's cognitive and sensory abilities.

By three days without any shut eye, Gardner reportedly experienced moodiness, concentration issues and short-term memory loss, as well as paranoia and even hallucinations.

“He was physically very fit,” Dement said. “So we could always get him going by playing basketball or going bowling, things like that. If he closed his eyes he would be immediately asleep.”

Interestingly, brain scans later found that Gardner's brain had been 'catnapping the entire time… parts of it would be asleep parts of it would be awake.'

In total, the teen managed to stay awake for 11 days (264 hours), breaking the record at the time and marking an end to the science experiment.

After being taken to the naval hospital, the 17-year-old slept for fourteen hours before impressively waking up naturally without feeling too 'groggy'.

"I slept just over 14 hours. I remember when I woke up, I was groggy, but not any groggier than a normal person," he told NPR .

At first, Gardner seemed to have no major effects from the ambitious project, but he later admitted suffering from decades of unbearable insomnia. "I was awful to be around. Everything upset me. It was like a continuation of what I did 50 years ago," he said.

They had better have won the science fair for this...

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]  

Topics:  Science , Life

Chloe Rowland is a Sub Editor and Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Salford with a BA Multimedia Journalism degree in 2019 but has continued to use the fact she has a Blue Peter badge as her biggest flex.

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Lessons from sleeplessness: The 60th anniversary of Randy Gardner's world record

In December 1963, a military family named the Gardners had just moved to San Diego, Calif.

The oldest son, 17-year-old Randy Gardner, was a self-proclaimed "science nerd." His family had moved every two years, and in every town they lived in, Gardner made sure to enter the science fair.

He was determined to make a splash in the 10th Annual Greater San Diego Science Fair.

When researching potential topics, Gardner heard about a radio deejay in Honolulu, Hawaii , who avoided sleep for 260 hours .

So Gardner and his two friends, Bruce McAllister and Joe Marciano , set out to beat this record.

Randy Gardner spoke to NPR's Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam in 2017 .

When asked about his interest in breaking a sleep deprivation record, Gardner said, "I'm a very determined person, and when I get things under my craw, I can't let it go until there's some kind of a solution."

Of his scientific trio, Randy lost the coin toss : He would be the test subject who would deprive himself of sleep. His two friends would take turns monitoring his mental and physical reaction times as well as making sure Gardner didn't fall asleep.

The experiment began during their school's winter break on Dec. 28, 1963.

Three days into sleeplessness, Gardner said, he experienced nausea and had trouble remembering things.

Speaking to NPR in 2017 , Gardner said:

"I was really nauseous. And this went on for just about the entire rest of the experiment. And it just kept going downhill. I mean, it was crazy where you couldn't remember things. It was almost like an early Alzheimer's thing brought on by lack of sleep."

But Gardner stayed awake.

The experiment gained the attention of local reporters, which, in Gardner's opinion, was good for the experiment "because that kept me awake," he said . "You know, you're dealing with these people and their cameras and their questions."

The news made its way to Stanford, Calif., where a young Stanford sleep researcher named William C. Dement was so intrigued that he drove to San Diego to meet Gardner.

Along with a U.S. Navy medic named Lt. Cmdr. John J. Ross, Dement helped monitor Gardner's health throughout the experiment. Dement also helped Gardner stay awake by playing basketball or games of pinball with Gardner.

When asked about his win percentage in pinball, Gardner said, "I did good. I think I beat him most of the time."

Gardner actually won all the time .

"Physically, I didn't have any problems," Gardner said. "But the mental part is what went downhill. The longer I stayed awake, the more irritable I got."

On Jan. 8, 1964, Gardner reached the last day of the experiment. He had been awake for 11 days straight — 264 hours — a new Guinness World Record .

Gardner said , "I had a very short fuse on day 11. I remember snapping at reporters. They were asking me these questions over and over and over. And I was just — I was a brat."

After talking with reporters, Gardner was sent to a nearby naval hospital . There, doctors observed his brain waves through an electroencephalogram machine he was hooked up to. Medically, Gardner was perfectly healthy .

So, at the naval hospital, Gardner slept for 14 hours. After he woke up, he said, he felt "groggy, but not any groggier than a normal person."

Gardner, McAllister and Marciano won first place at the San Diego science fair .

Although Gardner's record was broken within the same year , his experiment is one of the most well-documented cases of sleep deprivation. It supported later studies of "microsleeps." According to Guinness World Records , microsleeps are "momentary lapses into sleep that last for just a few seconds."

Decades later, the field of sleep research had grown exponentially, including the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation .

The last Guinness world record for sleep deprivation was awarded in 1986 to Robert McDonald, who deprived himself of sleep for almost 19 days. In 1996, the GWR stopped tracking sleep deprivation, citing the "harmful" effects of sleeplessness.

In making this decision, Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, wrote:

"Sleep is just one of those key, absolute, fundamental parts of human nature — we need our sleep. And I think that's why this is a particularly fascinating record, because challenging the extremes of something that is so absolute is key to understanding who we are as a species."

When Gardner spoke to NPR in 2017 , he mentioned that he developed insomnia as an adult. He said, "About 10 years ago, I stopped sleeping. I could not sleep. I would lay in bed for five, six hours, sleep maybe 15 minutes and wake up again. I was a – I was a basket case."

It's unclear what triggered his condition. But Randy Gardner says he sees it as some kind of "karmic payback" for his science experiment 60 years ago.

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