**Warning Signs of Prolonged Sleep**
A 51-year-old Sharjah resident’s ordinary post-work nap turned into a life-threatening episode of prolonged unconsciousness. The 32-hour long sleep left doctors stunned and nearly pushed him into a coma.
Desperate for Rest
Alex, who lives in a studio apartment, lay down still in his work clothes, hoping for a quick nap. However, what happened next left doctors in shock. “I was exhausted. I told myself I would just take a short nap,” recalled Alex.
- He lay down, still in his work clothes, hoping for a quick nap.
- He fell into a deep sleep, which lasted for 32 hours.
- The next thing he remembered was waking up groggy and confused.
Disorientated and Confused
The disorientated Alex described the situation as not just fatigue, but he experienced hallucinations that blurred his perception and vision. “Once my phone powered up, I saw over 50 missed calls and messages from my office, friends, and worried family members,” said Alex.
“Once my phone powered up, I saw over 50 missed calls and messages from my office, friends, and worried family members. I panicked and was in a severe state of confusion. I thought something was seriously wrong. I rushed to a hospital, which is close to my home.”
— Alex, Sharjah resident
Medical Diagnosis
Doctors at the hospital admitted Alex to the ICU for emergency testing. Blood tests, neurological scans, and toxicology reports were ordered to identify the cause of his unusually long and deep sleep.
- Blood tests, neurological scans, and toxicology reports were ordered to identify the cause of his unusually long and deep sleep.
- The final diagnosis left even the medical staff in disbelief.
- Alex was suffering from a rare fungal infection that had attacked the part of his brain regulating sleep and consciousness, triggering what doctors called an ‘automatic repair mode.’
Potential Consequences
According to the medical team, had he continued sleeping a few more hours, it could have led to a coma, or even death. Dr Al Saffar, specialist neurologist at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, warned that prolonged sleep could lead to serious complications.
| **Serious Complications** | **Examples** |
| Heart disease | Diabetes |
| Anxiety | Obesity |
Preventing Prolonged Sleep
Dr Al Saffar advises a few simple lifestyle changes to prevent such episodes:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime schedule
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed
- Create a calm sleeping environment
- Refrain from medications that cause drowsiness (if possible)
- Avoid working late into the night
Awareness is Key
After spending a few days at the hospital, Alex has been discharged but remains under observation. Alex’s experience has been a wake-up call, teaching him the importance of taking his health seriously and ignoring sleep signals. “What I experienced, is a wake-up call,” he said. “I thought I was just tired but didn’t realise how dangerous ignoring sleep signals could be,” he said. “Now, I take my health seriously, and I hope others will too.”
“I hope my story can serve as a warning to others about the dangers of prolonged sleep,” he added.
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