Streamer Norme’s 264-Hour No-Sleep Challenge Sparks Debate
4 min read
Streamer Norme’s attempt to break the record for staying awake 264 hours causes debate over health risks and platform bans.
YouTube streamer and content creator Norme, known for his daring online challenges, has once again thrust himself into the spotlight with an astonishing and controversial feat. Norme attempted to break the record for the longest time a human has stayed awake, enduring a staggering 264 hours and 24 minutes without sleep. This marathon session has ignited a firestorm of debate online, as viewers and experts alike question the safety and ethics of such a challenge.
Norme, who boasts a following of over 1.21 million subscribers on YouTube, began his no-sleep stream with the goal of beating what he believed to be the longest time someone had gone without sleep. The stream, which started on YouTube, was quickly shut down due to platform violations, leading Norme to continue his challenge on Kick, where he faced similar consequences. Eventually, he found refuge on Rumble, where he successfully completed the marathon.
STREAMER SPENT 11 DAYS AWAKE WITH NO SLEEP WHILE FIGHTING TO STAY ALIVE! 😲‼️
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) August 12, 2024
His consciousness was fading in and out during the 264 hour long stream, but has finally hit his goal.
Shout out Norme, he should probably go to bed now. pic.twitter.com/PdGKec2POB
The stream’s final moments, clocking in at 264 hours and 56 minutes, were watched by 9,000 live viewers on Rumble. However, the challenge did not unfold without significant drama. Throughout the stream, concerns for Norme’s wellbeing escalated, leading to a series of interventions from authorities. Police were called to conduct a welfare check, which Norme described as “swatting,” and later, an ambulance was summoned to the scene.
Norme’s attempt to break the world record has drawn sharp criticism, particularly because of the potential health risks associated with prolonged sleep deprivation. Since 1997, Guinness World Records has ceased recognizing attempts for the longest time awake due to the severe dangers it poses. The official record for the longest time awake is still held by Robert McDonald, who stayed awake for 453 hours and 40 minutes in 1986. Norme’s achievement, although impressive, falls short of this record and would not be officially recognized by Guinness even if it surpassed McDonald’s time.
🚨YOUTUBE BANNED NORME BEFORE REACHING 12 DAY GOAL‼️
— The Real World News Page (@BeOutTheMatrix) August 11, 2024
YouTuber Norme Who Has Been Awake For Almost 12 Days Gets Banned 12 Hours Before Reaching The Goal https://t.co/z6z4avF061 pic.twitter.com/XpsN6vldoL
The online community remains divided over Norme’s stunt. While some applaud his determination and ability to endure such a grueling challenge, others express deep concern for the implications of such a feat. One user on X.com voiced the potential long-term consequences, stating, “That’s gonna have some serious repercussions.” Another user warned of the dangers of inspiring copycat behavior, writing, “Sharing this does what entices more people to try this.”
The backlash is rooted in the well-documented health risks associated with extreme sleep deprivation, which can lead to hypertension, cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and even long-term psychological issues. The fact that Norme’s attempt lacked the oversight of medical professionals, who were present during previous record-setting attempts, has only fueled these concerns.
In light of the controversy, Norme has remained silent about any immediate health issues, though the effects of such a prolonged period without sleep may not become fully apparent for some time. Despite the mixed reactions, Norme’s stream has undeniably captured the attention of the online world, proving once again the lengths to which content creators will go to push the boundaries of what’s possible—and what’s ethical—in the digital age.
hes putting himself in danger OVER A WORLD RECORD HE NEEDS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL HES MENTALLY DRAINED AND HES LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS
— Marc 💎 (@DiamondSwordOff) August 11, 2024
help me end his stream and call 911 HE NEEDS Help, norme you gone INSANE #norme #indanger #help #Emergency https://t.co/JSFQIv0KeH pic.twitter.com/e0agEDmUO0
As Norme plans his return to streaming, possibly on Twitch, the debate over the morality and safety of such extreme challenges is likely to continue. While his 264-hour no-sleep marathon will be remembered as a bold and risky endeavor, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of chasing viral fame at any cost.
Too bad the real record is 400 some hours and they didn’t realize it lol 😂
— Dopamine Cowboy 🚬🐔🐟 (@dopamine_cowboy) August 12, 2024
is norme okay
— Charlie ♪ (@charliemaopie) August 12, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
