An 81-year-old man from Vietnam claims he has not slept in over 60 years, revealing a rare condition that has puzzled scientists, doctors, and those familiar with his case.
Thai Ngoc, residing in a small village in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, recounts that his inability to sleep started after a severe fever he experienced around the age of 20 during the Vietnam War.
Since then, Ngoc asserts that he has never had a moment of sleep, not even for a minute. Despite trying various remedies, including medication and alcohol, he has been unsuccessful in inducing sleep.
Ngoc expresses envy towards those who can sleep, finding it unbearable to stay idle. He utilizes the extra waking hours to work on field chores, tend to crops, and craft homemade rice wine.
Remarkably, Ngoc manages to function normally on the surface as he ages. American YouTuber Drew Binsky, who spent a night with Ngoc in 2023, reported that Ngoc remained awake and active throughout the night.
Ngoc’s daily routine is physically demanding, involving farming, carrying heavy loads, working at night, and maintaining habits like smoking and drinking. Despite this, local doctors note his apparent good health, though the cause of his insomnia remains unexplained.
Speculations suggest that early-life trauma, including war experiences and illness, may have triggered or worsened Ngoc’s insomnia. Some propose a rare neurological anomaly, but without formal diagnosis or controlled studies, Ngoc’s case remains scientifically unverified.
Reports indicate that Ngoc’s condition deviates from typical sleep disorders, challenging conventional understanding of the necessity of sleep for physical and mental well-being.