# Would you give up sleep permanently if you could? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 8, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870 "2009-02-08T01:33:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/1 "2009-02-08T01:33:26Z")
Here’s the deal. There is a one-time magical pill that will completely eliminate the need for sleep if you take it. There will be no physical or psychological side-effects (no decreased mental competence or crazy hallucinations); the only thing it will do is make you unable to ever sleep again without being drugged. Would you take it? Would you take it even if everyone else were offered the choice, too, if you said yes? I would take it in a heartbeat. There would be such much more I could do if I didn’t have to spend a good portion of the day unconscious. Like I said in the dream thread, I don’t remember them, so I wouldn’t miss that. It would be absolutely perfect if I were the only one who got to use it (or if I could hand them out without people knowing I had the ability to do that). There would be more downsides if everyone else got it too (for example, the world would be reorganized so that everyone would be expected to be on-the-go 24/7), but I still think I would take it. How about you? Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/2 "2009-02-08T01:37:59Z")
How would you recharge and renew? That would be a big question. Sleep is when our bodies get things back together, when you totally relax. Without the ability to do that, I’d be a ball of knotted muscles in less than a week. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/3 "2009-02-08T01:38:38Z")
I wish someone would invent this because I would take it in a heartbeat if it really didn’t have any side effects. I am a terrible sleeper, and lack of sleep is a big problem for me. When I first wake up, I feel like crap, and my arthritic joins ache. Eliminating the whole issue would be fantastic. Also, there would be much more time for me to get stuff done. ---
**Author:** ![SandyHook](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@SandyHook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SandyHook)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/4 "2009-02-08T01:40:06Z")
Another, “In a heartbeat,” voter checking in here. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/5 "2009-02-08T01:43:05Z")
That’s a whole bunch of extra time to gain. With no side effects (cue laugh track) I’d take it for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Gwyen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/858c86/32.png) [@Gwyen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gwyen)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/6 "2009-02-08T01:43:48Z")
OK, so if I don’t need sleep does that mean I don’t get tired either? What happens if you work out, or work all day. Doesn’t your body get tired? Could I run a marathon and then be fine, not need rest or anything? I don’t know, sleep kind of sucks sometimes, and you could get more done without it yes. But what about while every one else is sleeping? What would you do? Eventually I would get bored I think, and my body would wear out. I think the cons are outweighing the pros from me, I am going to have to say no on the pill. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/7 "2009-02-08T01:49:33Z")
> [@Gwyen](#): > > OK, so if I don’t need sleep does that mean I don’t get tired either? What happens if you work out, or work all day. Doesn’t your body get tired? Could I run a marathon and then be fine, not need rest or anything? > > I don’t know, sleep kind of sucks sometimes, and you could get more done without it yes. But what about while every one else is sleeping? What would you do? Eventually I would get bored I think, and my body would wear out. > > I think the cons are outweighing the pros from me, I am going to have to say no on the pill. You would get “tired” from exertion, but you would not get sleepy. So you could close your eyes and relax on a comfortable bed after a long day, but you would not fall unconscious. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![Teaira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9d8465/32.png) [@Teaira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teaira)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/8 "2009-02-08T01:59:39Z")
This question is like asking whether or not I’d like to live a third longer. I guess I can understand getting bored while everyone else is sleeping, but there are always books to read and movies to watch, etc. Another “in a heartbeat” answer here. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/9 "2009-02-08T02:12:51Z")
In a heartbeat. There’s a series of sci-fi books (_Beggars in Spain, Beggars and Choosers, Beggars Ride_) by Nancy Kress that explore some of the possible ramifications of a lack of need of sleep. Some children are genetically engineered to not need sleep, and end up living significantly longer due to…something I can’t remember since it’s been so long since I read the books. Some of the philosophical questions raised in the books are interesting to ponder. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/10 "2009-02-08T02:16:28Z")
I have to go with no. I enjoy going to bed and the process of waking up. I am too restless as it is - if I had an extra 8 hours in the day, I’d go crazy with boredom pretty quickly. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/11 "2009-02-08T02:16:41Z")
No freakin’ way. I looooooooooooooove to sleep. My bed is my favorite place! I have fabulous dreams, and I do some of my best thinking in that half-asleep place. And there’s no more decadent feeling in the world than waking up on a Saturday, realizing that I don’t actually have to get up, rolling over, snuggling into my warm happy cocoon, and going back to sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/12 "2009-02-08T02:17:31Z")
I would definitely take it. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/13 "2009-02-08T02:21:42Z")
Pass. I like sleep. Sleep is my friend. ---
**Author:** ![MadPansy64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@MadPansy64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadPansy64)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/14 "2009-02-08T02:22:51Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > No freakin’ way. I looooooooooooooove to sleep. My bed is my favorite place! I have fabulous dreams, and I do some of my best thinking in that half-asleep place. And there’s no more decadent feeling in the world than waking up on a Saturday, realizing that I don’t actually have to get up, rolling over, snuggling into my warm happy cocoon, and going back to sleep. Exactly. I want to die a split second after my alarm goes off, so my last words can be “Never again, you bastard!” When I’m 112, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b782af/32.png) [@Lavender\_Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Falcon)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/15 "2009-02-08T02:24:01Z")
I wouldn’t do it. As long as I’m in a warm, comfortable bed and I sleep well, I enjoy sleeping. I find it relaxing and cozy. Now if there were a way to not have to eat while still maintaining good nutrition and weight, I’d do that. It’s inconvenient to become hungry, and with my food allergies, I can’t just pop into a restaurant to eat. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/16 "2009-02-08T02:25:03Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > No freakin’ way. I looooooooooooooove to sleep. My bed is my favorite place! I have fabulous dreams, and I do some of my best thinking in that half-asleep place. And there’s no more decadent feeling in the world than waking up on a Saturday, realizing that I don’t actually have to get up, rolling over, snuggling into my warm happy cocoon, and going back to sleep. That’s good until I wake up at 4 P.M. and realize I’ve wasted the whole day. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![A\_Spoonful\_of\_Awesome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@A\_Spoonful\_of\_Awesome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Spoonful_of_Awesome)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/17 "2009-02-08T02:28:33Z")
As one who’s been up all night (again), put me down for yet another “in a hummingbird heartbeat” vote. I’m currently attempting the feat au natural, though ǝɹǝɥʇ sɯǝǝs oʇ ǝq ǝɯos ƃuıʇsǝɹǝʇuı ǝpıs sʇɔǝɟɟǝ… ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/18 "2009-02-08T02:30:30Z")
> [@Vox\_Imperatoris](#): > > That’s good until I wake up at 4 P.M. and realize I’ve wasted the whole day. A wasted day is one that doesn’t make me happy. Extra sleep makes me very happy indeed. ---
**Author:** ![jonesj2205](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecc23a/32.png) [@jonesj2205](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonesj2205)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/19 "2009-02-08T02:38:11Z")
I’ve often thought about this trying to fall asleep at night. I could only come up with two drawbacks. When I’m sick I like to sleep, it makes me forget how miserable I feel. Also makes me forget how sick of lying on the couch/bed watching crappy TV I am. The other is now moot for me, but sleeping was the best remedy for bed spins when I was drunk. Since I don’t drink any more and only get sick once every year or two I’d go for it. But the key is no one else can know you have this ability or you’ll find yourself with exactly the same amount of your stuff done and twice as much of their stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870/20 "2009-02-08T02:40:53Z")
> [@A\_Spoonful\_of\_Awesome](#): > > As one who’s been up all night (again), put me down for yet another “in a hummingbird heartbeat” vote. I’m currently attempting the feat au natural, though ǝɹǝɥʇ sɯǝǝs oʇ ǝq ǝɯos ƃuıʇsǝɹǝʇuı ǝpıs sʇɔǝɟɟǝ… You realize that you just made me flip my laptop upside down, right? :dubious: Valete, Vox Imperatoris [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-up-sleep-permanently-if-you-could/484870.md?page=2)