3 weeks ago
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An 81-year-old Vietnamese man claims he hasn't slept at all since having a severe fever during the Vietnam War, leaving doctors and scientists baffled by his unverified condition.
Thai Ngoc hasn't slept for 60 years (Image: Google)
An 81-year-old Vietnamese gentleman who maintains he hasn't slept at all for over six decades has revealed details about his extraordinary condition that continues to perplex scientists, medics and acquaintances alike.
Thai Ngoc, a resident of a small village in Vietnam's Quang Nam province, claims his sleeplessness commenced following an abrupt, intense fever when he was approximately 20 years old during the Vietnam War.
From that moment onwards, he insists he has never experienced even the briefest moment of rest, let alone a full night's slumber.
Ngoc and his relatives maintain that nobody has ever witnessed him sleeping, whilst he personally states he has attempted everything from pharmaceutical treatments to traditional remedies and even resorted to alcohol in efforts to induce fatigue, all proving fruitless.
"Seeing others sleep, I envy them," he has said. "Sitting still is unbearable,", reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/i-havent-slept-60-years-36552612" rel="Follow" target="_self">the Mirror</a>.
Thai Ngoc works through the night when others are asleep (Image: Youtube)
Ngoc utilises the additional hours his condition provides to cultivate fields, nurture crops and produce homemade rice wine.
Remarkably, Ngoc continues to operate normally well into his advanced years, at least outwardly.
American YouTuber Drew Binsky spent an evening with him in 2023 to witness the circumstances directly, documenting that Ngoc remained alert throughout and stayed active even during the small hours.
Ngoc's daily schedule would be draining by anyone's measure.
He famrs during daylight hours, transports hefty loads of fertiliser, labours on his property throughout the night and regularly smokes and drinks - habits that most specialists would anticipate would exacerbate sleep deprivation effects.
Despite the puzzling circumstances, local medics affirm he seems to be in good health, although no concrete explanation has been identified.
Some researchers and observers hypothesise that enduring trauma or stress from his early life, including wartime experiences and severe illness, could have sparked or exacerbated his insomnia. However, no official psychological diagnosis has been given.
Others propose it could be a unique neurological irregularity, but without controlled sleep studies or hospital observation, Ngoc's assertions remain scientifically unconfirmed.
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What is evident from numerous reports is that this is far from a conventional sleep disorder, at least as far as scientific understanding goes.
Chronic sleep deprivation typically results in significant physical and mental deterioration. If Ngoc genuinely seldom sleeps, his case would be remarkable as it contradicts our current understanding of the biological necessity of sleep.
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