What happens when you go 72 hours without sleep?

72 Hours of Sleep Deprivation: The Impact on Mind and Body

Prolonged sleep deprivation, defined as going without sleep for more than 72 hours, has severe consequences for both cognitive function and physical well-being. Here are the key effects that emerge during this period of extended wakefulness:

Impaired Cognitive Function:

• Reduced attention and concentration: Individuals struggle to focus and maintain alertness, making it difficult to perform even simple cognitive tasks.
• Impaired decision-making: Judgement and decision-making abilities become impaired, leading to poor choices and impulsive behavior.
• Memory deficits: Sleep deprivation disrupts memory consolidation, affecting both short-term and long-term memory formation.
• Cognitive rigidity: Individuals become less flexible in their thinking, unable to adapt to changing situations and solve problems creatively.

Motor Difficulties:

• Unsteady gait: Loss of coordination and balance can lead to stumbling and difficulty walking.
• Slurred speech: Speech becomes impaired, making it difficult to communicate clearly.
• Muscle weakness: Prolonged wakefulness depletes energy stores, resulting in muscle fatigue and weakness.

Hallucinations:

As sleep deprivation persists, hallucinations become increasingly common. These hallucinations can be visual, auditory, or tactile and can range from simple distortions to elaborate and bizarre experiences.

Other Effects:

• Increased irritability and mood swings: Sleep deprivation can trigger irritability, anxiety, and emotional instability.
• Increased risk of accidents: Impaired cognitive and motor function make individuals more prone to accidents and injuries.
• Immune system suppression: Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Elevated blood pressure: Sleep loss can increase blood pressure, putting strain on the cardiovascular system.

It’s important to note that the effects of sleep deprivation can vary from person to person, but the aforementioned symptoms are commonly observed after 72 hours without sleep. If you experience any of these effects, it’s crucial to prioritize sleep and seek medical attention if necessary.