The amount of time a human being can survive without sleep varies based on individual factors, but it is generally accepted that extended periods without sleep can have serious negative effects on health and mental well-being.
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest a person has ever intentionally gone without sleep is 11 days and 25 minutes, achieved by Randy Gardner in 1964. However, it is important to note that this feat was performed under close medical supervision, and Gardner experienced numerous negative effects, including hallucinations, mood swings, and memory loss.
In general, most healthy adults require between 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best, and prolonged periods of sleep deprivation can have serious negative consequences, including impaired cognitive function, decreased immune system function, and increased risk of accidents and injuries. Studies have shown that even one night of sleep deprivation can have negative effects on cognitive function and mood.
While the exact amount of time a human being can survive without sleep is difficult to determine, it is clear that regular, adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.