Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How long should I go without sleeping before I go to the doctor?

16 Answers
Last Updated: 09/15/2020 at 11:12am
1 Tip to Feel Better
Portugal
Moderated by

Jennifer Patterson, LMFT

Art Therapist

Life can be messy. Sometimes you need a little support to make your way through it. I love to help guide people through their challenges & to find the beauty in our messes.

Top Rated Answers
softWingedgiraffe33
November 14th, 2014 11:55pm
In my opinion, once you feel worried about it, you should probably at least call the doctor. Especially if it affecting your daily life.
KeepHoldingOn
November 24th, 2014 3:24pm
10 hours because if you go without 10 hours of sleep...something is like totally wrong. Just saying.
crlody
December 8th, 2014 3:38am
It's really up to you - if your sleep deprivation starts interfering with your work, school, social life, etc. then you might want to see a doctor.
ashalotus
May 14th, 2015 9:00pm
If you're having problems with sleep, go to a doctor as soon as possible to help you get better! :)
HadrianSvihelen
July 23rd, 2019 9:02pm
Sleep is a very important part of human existence and if you aren't sleeping well/at all it can heavily impact your health. Without sleep you can be more prone to stress and anxiety, and even experience hallucinations. I don't know how you define not sleeping whether you mean you get a very small amount or you mean like none at all. But irregardless of which it is unless you are sick with something else like a stomach virus, after a couple of days I would personally go. The negative impact of lack of sleep on your health just builds up to quickly not to relatively quickly.
Ardo
September 22nd, 2014 1:37pm
You should not go without sleep, I tried doing that and it damages your body, you should seek help from a professional.
Anonymous
December 25th, 2014 2:54am
If you feel tired and can't sleep after 24 hours and not trying to stay up with energy drinks, meds, or etc, then I advise to go.
CalmingLily
December 30th, 2014 9:32pm
Monitor how much sleep you are getting a night if you can. I would go after a week to ten days but if it's bothering you to the point where you can't function during the day, go whenever you really need them. If you can, try incorporating high intensity exercise such as running into your day first to see if that makes any difference.
CelestialMoons
December 22nd, 2014 4:43am
Any troubles with sleeping that you find unusual or concerning should be assessed by a doctor. Going without sleep for too long is extremely dangerous. Also, your body needs sleep to function best, so if you feel you are having trouble functioning, it's best to see a doctor, they may be able to give a medicine that can help you sleep. [2 days max in my personal opinion]
DipityEnigma
April 16th, 2015 4:44pm
If you mean that you're having insomnia like symptoms, you should immediately go to your doctor with any concerns you may have or phone your local out of hours service like here, we have the NHS out of hours information station. You call 111 and you get put through to a professional who can give you advice but this is usually pointless. In all the times that I have called them, they have always told me to go see the person within the profession that I have a problem with; so I would strongly suggest going to your GP asap.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 11:12pm
When you're feeling that you can't live a normal day-to-day life because of it. Or at any time that you think is best.
Anonymous
May 24th, 2016 10:00pm
When you feel uncomfortable referring to your sleep you should go to a doctor :) You can talk with him about your problems, and it is not important how long you´re without any sleep
Greysmdl
October 25th, 2016 4:23am
First you should ask yourself if you are under a lot of stress, if you are worrying about deadlines, or consuming copious amounts of caffeine. If you are not consuming lots of caffeine, if you are having trouble sleeping after 48hours then you should see your doctor.
Sintix
March 5th, 2018 6:02pm
3 days is when it starts getting bad, but after a week you definitely should consider getting help.
silverHeart49
September 1st, 2020 9:33am
Hi, sorry you have not been sleeping well. I know how difficult it is to go about your day on a lack of sleep, it is not easy! I would say that if your lack of sleep has got to a point where it is affecting your normal daily functioning of doing tasks that you normally would - that is when it is time to go a see a doctor. However if you are worried and not struggling still go and see them. It is their job to answer your questions and reassure you! Good luck ad I hope you are back togetting a full nights sleep soon :)
nordiclight
September 15th, 2020 11:12am
Here on 7Cups we can't offer medical advice but if you are experiencing symptoms out of the ordinary and you are fully unable to sleep, it is best to consult your primary care doctor ASAP. You might also want to take a look at what changes may have occurred recently in your life that could be a contributor. Stressors, emotional hardship, and much more could be factors. One night of no sleep or severe difficulties falling asleep might just be a bad night, but two or more nights and I would definitely recommend reaching out to your primary care doctors.