Record breaker: I'm finishzzzed

EXHAUSTED Tony Wright collapsed into bed yesterday — after going without sleep for 11 days.

The researcher, who launched the record-breaking attempt to study the effects of sleeplessness on the brain, had not had a kip since 6am on May 14.

But there were fears last night Tony’s bid could have failed by just ten hours.

He broke what was thought to be the record of 264 hours at 6.01am yesterday but stayed awake for two more hours.

Tony, 43, was based at the Studio Bar in Penzance, Cornwall, and monitored by six CCTV cameras and a live webcam.

He stayed awake by playing pool, listening to music, drinking tea, keeping a diary and talking to supporters. Tony revealed at the time: “It’s very strange — everything around me has become more intense and colours seem brighter.

“There were a couple of tricky moments where I could feel my body wanting to shut down.”

Scientists say depriving the body of sleep for long periods can result in depression, dizziness, hallucinations, irritability, nausea and loss of memory.

The previous record was set in 1964 by student Randy Gardner, 17, in San Diego, California.

But the Guinness Book of Records withdrew its backing because of health risks. It once reported a longer record — 276 hours by Toimi Soini in Hamina, Finland, also in 1964.

It was not known last night if that attempt was under properly controlled conditions.