A Farmer's 62-Year Battle with Insomnia: The Unbelievable Story of Thai Ngoc

Thai Ngoc, an 81-year-old farmer from Vietnam, claims to have not slept for 62 years since a fever in 1962. His extraordinary story has left doctors baffled and has gone viral on social media. Despite the lack of sleep, Ngoc continues to work in the fields and perform daily tasks. Medical examinations show no significant health issues, raising questions about how he manages without sleep. This article explores his remarkable life, the science behind sleep, and the reactions from those around him.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 01:07 IST

The Unending Wakefulness of Thai Ngoc

Do sleepless nights trouble you? Missing just one night of sleep can lead to irritability the next day. Now, imagine not having slept for 62 years! Thai Ngoc, an 81-year-old farmer from Vietnam, claims just that. He asserts that since suffering from a high fever in 1962, he has not slept a single second. He neither experiences naps nor deep sleep; he remains perpetually awake.

Doctors are baffled by his case, as science suggests that humans cannot survive without sleep for extended periods. Yet, Ngoc not only survives but also continues to farm, perform heavy labor, and manage daily tasks. His extraordinary story has gone viral on social media, prompting many to ponder its implications.

How It All Began
Thai Ngoc was born in 1942 in a small village in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. At the age of 20, during the Vietnam War, he contracted a severe fever. While the fever subsided, his ability to sleep vanished. Ngoc recalls, “I tried medications, home remedies, and even attempted to drink alcohol to fall asleep, but nothing worked.” His wife, children, friends, and neighbors all confirm his claim, stating they have never seen him sleep. In 2023, YouTuber Drew Binsky traveled from Arizona to meet him, staying up all night alongside Ngoc, who remained awake the entire time, working in the fields and making rice wine.

What Science Says
Ngoc has undergone numerous medical examinations, revealing no significant health issues. His blood pressure, heart, and brain functions are all normal. Doctors are astonished, as sleep is essential for memory, immunity, and growth. Without sleep, one would expect brain failure, yet Ngoc appears to be in good health. Some experts speculate that he might experience micro-sleeps—brief, unnoticed moments of sleep. His daily routine is remarkable; he manages his fields and lifts heavy loads. When his neighbors retire for the night, he resumes his work, either brewing alcohol or deep in thought. He consumes a bottle of 40-proof rice wine daily and smokes around 70 cigarettes.