Al Herpin

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Al Herpin was known as the "Man Who Never Slept."

Born in 1853 in, Trenton, New Jersey, Al Herpin developed a rare case of insomnia where by he could not sleep. The cause of his condition is unknown, although it may be linked to his mother receieving major injury a few days prior to birth.

In the late 1940's, Al Herpin's rare insomnia condition attracted the attention of several medical professionals, who marched to his door one day. They found no bed, or other sleep-related furniture, but only a rocking chair. Al Herpin claimed that after a long day's work, he would rest in his rocking chair reading the newspaper until dawn, then return to work.

Al Herpin was in surprisingly good health, and had a constant level of high awareness, defying all laws of sleep.

Al Herpin died on January 3, 1947 at the age of 94. No other person with total insomnia has lived for such a long period of time.^{[citation needed]} It was likely that he died for other reasons, not sleep deprivation, as his insomnia did not seem to have any effect on his health.