Who has not read the story of “Sleeping Beauty”, a princess who had gone into a long sleep and only a prince’s touch helped her wake up from her mysterious deep slumber. Further, we have read in William Shakespeare’s dramatic play “Macbeth” as to how Lady Macbeth developed the habit of walking in her sleep. She suffered from somnambulism.
But in stark contrast to these stories, is the story of a Saudi man in his seventies, who has not slept a wink in 30 long years. The main reason behind his grave condition was said to be his sense of despair and depression.
The man had developed chronic insomnia in his youth when he had to stay awake for as long as 20 days for his assignment with the Army. Once he completed his service, he approached doctors to help cure his strange ailment. But to no avail.
Now, he looked quite old and depressed by his unending sickness. A vital stage of his life has been marred by restlessness and lack of sleep. This is a rare condition of exceptional sleeplessness. Over the years, his case has been referred to several doctors and medical specialists from four countries. But no amount of medical science could find a possible cure for his constant wakefulness.
When one Emir of Baha area heard about his pitiable tale, he made him happy by promising him a car and taking care of all his needs.