The provided texts discuss the origin and popularity of the "Russian Sleep Experiment" creepypasta, a fictional story about Soviet scientists who conduct a sleep deprivation experiment on prisoners. While the story is widely shared and believed to be true by some, it is actually a fabricated tale. The texts examine the elements that contribute to the story's viral success, such as its use of unexplained phenomena, first-person narratives, and disturbing imagery. They also highlight the story's influence on other forms of media, including books, plays, and films. The final text provides historical context for the concept of sleep deprivation, outlining the pioneering studies by Russian and Italian scientists in the 19th century. These early experiments involved depriving animals of sleep and observing the resulting effects on their brain and behavior, establishing the groundwork for future research in the field.

Oldest known source:

Russian Sleep experiment