For the source text click/tap here: Nedarim 15
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The Gemara points out another difficulty with a vow against sleeping. If the person did not state a specific amount of time that he will not sleep, we know that Rabbi Yohanan teaches with regard to shevuot that a person who takes an oath not to sleep for three days is understood to have taken a false shevua – since it is impossible to go without sleep for 72 hours. Therefore, rather than forcing him to attempt the impossible we punish him immediately (for having made a false shevua) and allow him to sleep whenever he wants. We explore the rabbinic attitudes to sleep and napping And the health effects of sleep deprivation ending with the use of sleep deprivation as a torture method.