Why Can't Humans Sleep 24 Hours Straight?

Logosofia no Dia a Dia · May 10, 2026 · 30m

Ever been so exhausted you thought you could sleep for a full day — only to wake up 12 hours later feeling refreshed but unable to fall back asleep? There's a reason for that. In this episode, we explore the two-process model of sleep regulation, the role of adenosine clearance, circadian wake signals, and why your brain's recovery systems have built-in limits. We also unpack the difference between acute and chronic sleep debt, the glymphatic system's waste-clearing role, and whether "sleep debt" is even a real thing. If you've ever wondered why marathon sleep sessions aren't possible — or…