Rajasthan / 42-year-old man from Rajasthan sleeps 300 days a year due to rare condition

Nagaur: A man from Rajasthan's Nagaur who sleeps 300 days in a year is being dubbed as the real-life Kumbhakaran. Purkharam, 42, a resident of Bhadwa village, suffers from a rare disorder known as Axis hypersomnia.

Kumbhakaran, the younger brother of Ravan in Ramayana, used to sleep for six months at a time.

While people are usually advised to sleep for six to eight hours a day, Purkharam sleeps for 25 days at a stretch. He was diagnosed with the rare disorder 23 years ago.

Due to his rare condition, Purkharam is able to operate his local shop for just five days a month. When he falls asleep, it is difficult to wake him up.

Purkharam's family sought medical help when he slept excessively during the initial days of the condition. He was sleeping for 15 hours a day at that time. Over the years, the period of sleep increased by several hours and ultimately for several days. His symptoms have worsened so much that he now sleeps for 20 to 25 days in a go.

The family members have to feed and bathe him while he is asleep. In fact, he might even fall asleep while he is at work.

Purkharam said that despite treatment and excessive sleeping, his body is fatigued most of the time and his productivity is almost nil. He also complained about other symptoms related to his condition such as severe headaches.

Purkharam’s wife Lichmi Devi and his mother Kanvari Devi hope that he will recover soon and live a normal life like before.