There are all sorts of world records that have been set, but some cause more problems than others. In 1964, a high school student set the world record for longest time staying awake. Seventeen-year-old Randy Gardner stayed awake for 11 days straight as part of a science project. Gardner used no stimulants or other medications, relying only on his friends to help keep him awake. The record before him was set by a radio disc jockey in 1959 as part of a publicity tactic for his radio station.
Years later, Gardner told the press that his only motivation to attempt this record was to win the school science fair. Since 1964, there have been other people who have claimed to break Gardner’s record. Maureen Weston, a woman from the United Kingdom, is one that was observed and officially broke the record, staying up for 449 hours straight. She was featured in the 1978 Guinness Book of World Records. Randy Gardner still makes headlines as the one who broke the world record, mostly because he caught the attention of the press and a renowned sleep researcher.
Despite the efforts of many, Guinness has decided to no longer include sleep deprivation among their records due to possible health risks. Several of those who attempted—and broke—the world record admitted to having hallucinations and paranoia throughout their sleepless days and nights.