In 1959, 32-year old popular radio personality Peter Tripp decided to stay awake for 8 days and nights as part of a publicity stunt aimed at raising money for charity. It was the most daring sleep deprivation ever attempted, and virtually every researcher and physician warned Tripp against the idea. But Tripp was determined, and so on a cold January morning, he placed himself in a glass booth in the middle of Times Square so that curious onlookers and fascinated scientists alike could observe his activity as he went for 201 consecutive hours without sleep. Trip beginning to feel effect of sleep deprivation At first, Tripp seemed to cope well without sleep. He was, after all, considered to be a normal and well-to-do man by his family, friends, and listeners. His initial broadcasts during his experiment were entertaining as he remained cheerful and humorous as usual. By day four, however, Tripp began experiencing terrifying hallucinations, imagining spiders crawling in his sh...