There are many World Records. One that all of us would probably want to attempt, but that is deceptively hard, is the longest time spent asleep. In this brief article, Erik Bearman lays out how he plans to do so.–World Records Editor Jake Sonderman
By Erik Bearman
I think I speak for all Palm Valley seniors when I say: “We need more sleep.” Health class has taught us that the average person needs 8-9 hours of sleep per night in order to stay healthy. However, I’m willing to bet that a lot of us get somewhere between 5-7 hours of sleep at most.
I think if anyone has gotten enough rest, it’s hypnotist and British personality Peter Powers. Actually, I think he takes the cake. Because Peter Powers once stayed asleep for eight days straight!
As of now, Peter Powers’s record has yet to be broken. But, that doesn’t mean it never will be. I am willing to step up and attempt to break this record.
First, I will pay a doctor to attach an IV to my arm. The IV will allow necessary nutrients to enter my body without the need to wake up. Next, I will confine myself to a room constructed of solid, soundproof walls so no sounds can wake me. I would also lower the temperature and wrap myself in warm bedding.
My biggest concern is finding the energy (or lack thereof) to stay asleep. My solution? I would actually have to stay awake as long as possible and physically exhaust my body until I have no choice but to fall asleep. Only then do I have a shot at beating the world record for longest time spent sleeping!
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to break a world record. I don’t think I can eat over a dozen hotdogs in a minute or run a cross country marathon. But, the prospect of breaking a record while simultaneously getting some much needed sleep gives me hope that one day, maybe, I will break a world record.
World Records Editor: Jake Sonderman
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Ha! Youth is wasted on the young. When I was your age I slept 6 hours. Then when I went college I stayed up all night. High energy drinks, coffee culture started, and my addiction to ice tea. As a freshman in 1986, I drank 4 cups of double espresso, ice tea to keep awake to study for my B.A. in Chemistry and I made it. The lack of sleep was also to socialize, date (yes young men asked young women to dinner, movies or a concert (pantyhose, make up, hair, dresses and heels rewquired, go clubbing and honestly I was just not tired, . As time as gone on I am always tired as an adult. Adulting is hard, career, marriage, parenting, home making and volunteering, but it’s jus the passing of time. As a psychotherapist and middle age person I cannot emphasize sleep hygiene. The advent of technology is a detriment to the needed sleep at all ages, My advice skip the hypnotist and set a schedule and focus on peace and less caffeine and also exercise. Just remember when you pass a ceritain age you reverse you will start sleeping more. Turn the computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone, games and tv off. No coffee after 4 p,m.