Streamer Norme stays awake for 12 days in dangerous challenge

A streamer from Australia, Norme, undertook a dangerous challenge where he aimed to stay awake for 12 days. He broadcasted his struggles live, and the livestream was banned several times because the challenge posed a threat to his life.

Norme, a popular YouTuber from Australia, decided to break the world record for staying awake. Although the challenge may sound harmless on the surface, it is hazardous in reality. Just 48 hours without rest can significantly impact a person's health, with nausea and severe headaches being the first and mildest symptoms of sleep deprivation. Norme set himself the goal of staying awake for 12 days. Throughout this time, he conducted live streams on the internet with short breaks. He archived parts of the challenge that did not go online to maintain proof of its continuity.

The YouTuber sought to break the record set in 1963 by Randy Gardner, a teenager who, monitored by doctors, stayed awake for 260 hours. In 1997, it was decided that such challenges would no longer be documented due to the immense health risks, and further records would not be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Norme faced significant difficulties in completing the challenge. He fainted and hallucinated, and his brother, Don, woke him up by nudging him or splashing water on him. Viewers were highly concerned and urged him to abandon the challenge. At one point, they thought he was dead. YouTube interrupted the stream due to a violation of community guidelines, so he moved to Kick. There, the live stream was also banned.

The viewers likely decided to report Norme's challenge to the authorities. At some point, police officers entered his apartment to ensure everything was alright. Surprisingly, they allowed him to continue the dangerous challenge on the condition that after completing it—successfully or not—he would immediately seek medical attention.

Ultimately, Norme succeeded in staying awake for 264 hours and 24 minutes and achieved his goal. However, his feat will not be included in the Guinness Book of World Records. The YouTuber's challenge was dangerous and threatened his life and health. It is also unclear whether the lack of sleep will have long-term negative consequences. We strongly discourage anyone from attempting to replicate such behaviour.