How long can a person go without sleep before they start to hallucinate?

The exact amount of time a person can go without sleep before they start hallucinating varies from person to person, and can also depend on factors such as age, overall health, and individual differences in sleep patterns. However, research suggests that most people will start to experience hallucinations after about 72-90 hours of continuous wakefulness. In some cases, hallucinations may occur after as few as 24-48 hours without sleep, while others may be able to go for up to 115 hours before experiencing visual or auditory hallucinations.

It's important to note that sleep deprivation has a range of negative effects on cognitive and physical functioning, including impaired decision-making, reduced reaction times, and increased risk of accidents. Prolonged sleep deprivation can also lead to more serious conditions, including psychosis, seizures, and organ failure. Therefore, it's essential to get regular, adequate sleep to maintain overall health and well-being.