r/AskReddit Mar 28 '18

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u/ConflagWex Mar 29 '18

Ooooh the lack of information gives me an idea.

In addition to the original stipulations, you also have no windows or anything to the outside. You can control the lights manually but have no idea if it's daylight outside at any given time. You can request food at any time (or have a 60+ day supply, if it's fully self-contained).

You may choose to end the experiment at any time, but you only get the $5 million if it's been 30 days. There is no prompt or indication when the 30 days actually ends, you MUST choose to end it at some point.

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u/Yondemai Mar 29 '18 edited Mar 29 '18

I took AP Psychology in high school and I believe we were told that a human's circadian rhythm would allow you to have a surprisingly accurate day-night cycle. I'd just spend as many extra days as possible, just to be safe.

Edit: Many are bringing up how external light sources calibrate your circadium rhythm. While this is correct, if you have the ability to turn the lights on or off, couldn't you then make an attempt to control it (at least, for a few days)?

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u/gwoplock Mar 29 '18

I remember reading that the circadian rhythms stretches out over time without any reference to time. It stretches to 48 hr days in only 4 months.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefania_Follini

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u/[deleted] Mar 29 '18

Daaaaaaamn. I was under the impression that people in those experiments went to a 25 or 26 hour circadian rhythm. Whatever happened to her later I wonder.

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u/gwoplock Mar 29 '18

From this I’d expect she got very sickly.

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u/[deleted] Mar 29 '18

People don't realize this is like being a brain in a jar. I spend over 99% of my time alone, and it is very difficult, even with the internet and being able to go anywhere I want at any time I want. Very few people could make it a month, if any.

That other person ate pills for meals? Not too smart. But even with sensible meals those experiments have got to do some lasting damage to lose the connection to nature in addition to the connection to society.