Paul Kern was a brave soldier serving in the Hungarian army during World War I. In 1915, during an attack by the Russian army, he was severely wounded by a bullet that struck his right temple. This unexpected event marked the beginning of a process that would completely change Kern’s life. At the hospital, a part of his frontal lobe, which was damaged by this potentially fatal injury, was removed. This operation affected the part of his brain that plays critical roles in movement, planning, and problem-solving.
Kern’s Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life
Although Kern returned to civilian life after his military service, he faced an extraordinary situation: he could no longer sleep and did not feel the desire to sleep. Initially, he tried to sleep, but these efforts became more exhausting than staying awake. Scientific research demonstrates that sleep is a renewal process for the body and mind, providing repair to vital systems. Lack of sleep can lead to adverse effects on cognitive functions and even health problems. However, contrary to this knowledge, Kern was able to live without sleep.
Scientific Interest in Paul Kern’s Sleepless Life
The case of Paul Kern attracted great interest in the medical world. Many doctors were skeptical of his claims, but tests confirmed that Kern indeed did not sleep. Some experts thought Kern might be experiencing microsleeps without realizing it, but this theory could not be definitively proven. Another theory suggested that the Russian bullet had disabled the part of his brain that requires sleep.
Paul Kern passed away in 1955. During the 40 years until his death, scientists and doctors tried to solve this intriguing case, but the question of why Kern could not sleep was never fully resolved. His story remains an unsolved mystery in the fields of medicine and science. Paul Kern left an unforgettable mark in the scientific world, transitioning from an ordinary soldier to a case study in medical literature.
Source: Medium , War History Online
