Karolina Olsson

Swedish woman who allegedly slept for 32 years

Karolina Olsson (29 October 1861 – 5 April 1950) was a Swedish woman who reportedly fell into a state of prolonged sleep, known as hibernation, for 32 years. Her case is one of the most unusual and well-documented instances of prolonged sleep in medical history.

Early Life

Karolina Olsson was born on 29 October 1861 in Oknö, Sweden. She was the daughter of a fisherman and grew up in a modest household. Her early life was typical of the time, with little to suggest the extraordinary events that would later unfold.

The Sleep Episode

On 18 February 1876, at the age of 14, Karolina reportedly fell into a deep sleep after suffering from a severe headache. Her family initially believed she was ill and sought medical help. However, despite various attempts to awaken her, she remained in a state of sleep.

Medical Observations

During her prolonged sleep, Karolina was observed by several doctors. She was fed and cared for by her family, who reported that she occasionally showed signs of awareness, such as moving her hands or making sounds. However, she did not fully awaken or communicate.

Theories and Explanations

Several theories were proposed to explain Karolina's condition, ranging from psychological factors to neurological disorders. Some speculated that she might have been in a state of catatonia or hysteria, while others considered the possibility of a coma. However, no definitive diagnosis was ever made.

Awakening

Karolina Olsson awoke on 3 April 1908, after 32 years of sleep. Her awakening was as mysterious as her sleep, with no clear explanation for either event. Upon waking, she reportedly had no memory of the intervening years and initially struggled to adjust to the changes in the world around her.

Later Life

After her awakening, Karolina lived a relatively normal life. She never married and continued to live in Oknö until her death on 5 April 1950. Her case remains a subject of interest and speculation among medical professionals and historians.

Legacy

Karolina Olsson's case is often cited in discussions of sleep disorders and psychosomatic conditions. It highlights the complexities of the human brain and the challenges of diagnosing and understanding rare medical phenomena.

Related Pages

• Sleep disorder
• Catatonia
• Hysteria
• Coma

Karolina Olsson