How long can someone live without sleep?

I can't give any scientific limits, but I once had to stay awake for 48 hours straight during my university exams. By the second night, my head was throbbing, my vision was blurry, and I couldn't even read a single sentence. It taught me that our bodies will force us to pass out anyway, so trying to push past a day is just pointless.

In our scriptures and ayurveda, sleep is considered one of the pillars of life, just like food. Trying to stay awake for days will completely disturb your body's vata dosha and cause high blood pressure. If you are struggling to sleep, drink a cup of warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg before bed, but never force yourself to stay awake.

Bhaiya, bina soye toh koi do-teen din se zyada nahi reh sakta. Shareer ko aaram dena bohot zaroori hai, nahi toh dimaag kaam karna band kar dega. Der raat tak jagna chhodiye aur samay par soiye.

Without sleep, your muscles cannot repair, your testosterone drops, and your cortisol levels spike. Even after 24 hours of no sleep, your physical performance drops drastically. Your body will eventually force you into microsleeps to protect itself, so trying to go beyond 2 or 3 days is extremely counterproductive.

I agree, staying awake for more than 36 hours is highly unsafe. If you are struggling with severe insomnia, please speak to a doctor soon.