A systematic review of 21 studies on sleep deprivation shows that going without sleep for extended periods causes visual, auditory, and somatosensory hallucinations, progressing toward psychosis. Perceptual distortions appear after 24–48 hours of sleep loss, followed by more complex hallucinations and delusions after 72 hours. Symptoms typically resolve after sleep, though some participants experience persistent effects. The research highlights the significant psychological impact of prolonged wakefulness.
Sleep deprivation leads to hallucinations and psychotic symptoms with prolonged wakefulness
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