Rajasthan: Man sleeps for 300 days a year like Kumbhakarna

A man hailing from Nagaur in Jodhpur sleeps for 300 days a year.

Pukharam, 42 years old suffers from a rare disorder known as Axis hypersomnia. Due to the disorder, he sleeps for 25 days at a stretch.

He was first diagnosed with the rare syndrome 23 years ago, and since then, the condition has impacted his wellbeing and lifestyle. Once he falls asleep, it becomes extremely challenging for him to wake up.

Due to the rare disorder, Purkharam who runs a local business in the area is able to operate his small shop just 5 days a month.

In the initial days of the condition, Pukharam used to sleep excessively, as a result, his family sought medical help.

Initially, he used to sleep for 15 hours a day. Over the years, the period of sleep increased by several hours. His symptoms have worsened so much that he now sleeps for 20 to 25 days in a go.

The family members resorted to feed and bathe him while he was asleep.

Despite treatment and excessive sleeping, Purkharam said that his body is fatigued most of the time and his productivity is almost nil.

Axis hypersomnia

Scientists attribute this condition as occurring due to the fluctuation in the brain Protein known as the TNF-alpha. It is associated with disorders related to excessive sleepiness, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia.