"My joints are in constant agony," Alvis said. "I'm struggling to exist in a body that feels like it's on fire." He's tried numerous treatments, even resorting to strong surgical anesthetics, but nothing has worked.

"Sleep has completely vanished," Alvis said. He describes his life as torture, unable to stand up straight, with severely impaired vision and digestive issues.

Oliver Alvis, 32, hasn't slept in two years. Photo: Weirddarkness

Oliver Alvis, 32, hasn't slept in two years. Photo: Weirddarkness

Alvis sold his house, moved in with his mother, and used his savings to travel the world seeking treatment. Over 21 months, he visited India, Italy, Turkey, and Colombia, consulting over 50 medical professionals. He tried various therapies, including herbal remedies, hypnosis, sound baths, acupuncture, and meditation retreats, but all failed. Doctors offered various diagnoses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic fatigue syndrome, but none of the treatments proved effective. Some even suggested he was delusional.

Every night, Alvis wanders the streets, envying homeless people sleeping on shop doorways. "I would trade everything I own just to sleep," he said.

Alvis's story went viral online in mid-August, sparking debate about whether the human body can withstand years without sleep. Scientifically, his condition is almost impossible. Studies show that total sleep deprivation can be fatal to animals in just a few weeks.

Doctors suspect he has paradoxical insomnia, a condition where the patient believes they are awake, but their brain is experiencing light sleep. Currently, Alvis lives in a rented apartment in India and continues to search for new treatments.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Odditycentral, Daily Mail)