In 1964, a 17-year-old student named Randy Gardner set a world record by staying awake for over 11 days as part of a science fair project. His condition deteriorated rapidly—by day two he suffered memory lapses, and by day eleven he was hallucinating and incoherent. Although he recovered fully, the Guinness Book of Records ceased recognising sleep deprivation attempts in 1997 due to health concerns.
Scientific understanding of sleep has since deepened. During sleep, the brain performs essential maintenance, including clearing toxins via the glymphatic system. It also consolidates short-term memories into long-term ones, strengthens neural connections, and uses REM sleep to process emotions and solve problems. Non-REM stages offer the brain rest, marked by slowed heart rate and relaxed muscles, while REM sleep mimics wakefulness in brain activity.
A single night of poor sleep can impair brain function. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and problem-solving, becomes less efficient. This results in reduced attention span, impaired judgement, and slower reaction times. The overactive amygdala can lead to emotional instability, and memory consolidation is hindered.
Chronic sleep deprivation compounds these issues. Research from the National Library of Medicine, cited by the Sleep Foundation, links long-term poor sleep to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Beta amyloid proteins, which are cleared during sleep, accumulate in the brain when sleep is insufficient, forming plaques that damage cognitive function. One study estimates that up to 15% of Alzheimer’s cases may be attributable to sleep problems.
Given the significant impact of sleep on cognitive health, optimising sleep quality is vital. Swedish bedmaker Hästens, crafting beds since 1852, underscores the importance of quality sleep for physical and mental performance. They advocate for better sleep as essential, not a luxury, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
With growing evidence connecting sleep with brain health and disease prevention, prioritising restful, regular sleep is more crucial than ever.
