Sleep deprivation can lead to various health risks and issues including a weakened immune system mood swings weight gain and high blood pressure. But what happens when you prolong the lack of shut-eye to an extraordinary extent? One man Tony Wright from Cornwall took on the challenge of staying awake for 11 consecutive days in an attempt to break a world record.

Although Tony did not surpass the record for the longest time without sleep he accomplished an astonishing feat by staying awake for a mind-boggling 266 hours. The thought of staying awake for such a prolonged period undoubtedly seems daunting to most. However Tony described a rather unexpected outcome from this sleep-deprived experiment. He claimed to have unlocked a whole new section of his brain a state of enlightenment as a result of the prolonged sleeplessness.

In an interview shortly after the experience Tony provided insights into the profound transformation that occurred as he stayed awake. He explained "By depriving the rational mind the egotistical mind of sleep its energy drains away. It doesn't feel great of course. However if you push beyond that point the rational mind's control weakens and that's when glimpses of the other side of the brain the other self start to emerge."

Contrary to the perception that staying awake to achieve an altered state is merely primitive nonsense Tony pointed out that it is in fact a living tradition. He revealed that many people have had similar experiences after partying or working hard where they feel a sense of softness relaxation heightened emotions and even moments of feeling surprisingly good. Tony's interest lied in making sense of these occurrences and exploring the possibility of harnessing these experiences by combining different techniques despite the initial discomfort caused by the left side of the brain.

While Tony and his followers advocate for the potential benefits of sleep deprivation on brain function Guinness World Records no longer recognizes this record due to the severe risks associated with sleep deprivation. In a statement released in March the organization acknowledged that although they no longer monitor the record no one has broken it since Robert McDonald did so in 1986. McDonald's record stood at a staggering 453 hours and 40 minutes equivalent to approximately 18 days 21 hours and 40 minutes. It is clear that attempting to surpass this record would be ill-advised and potentially dangerous.

In summary Tony Wright's journey of staying awake for 11 days revealed the extraordinary impact that sleep deprivation can have on the human mind. While Guinness World Records no longer recognizes this endeavor due to the inherent dangers involved Tony and his supporters highlight the potential for unlocking new realms of consciousness. Nonetheless it is crucial to prioritize the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. So next time you find it difficult to catch some Z's remember that a good night's sleep is essential to keep your mind and body in peak condition.