A Spanish athlete who decided to isolate herself in a cave for 500 days without direct sunlight and human contact emerged earlier last week.
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Climber Beatriz Flemini entered the cave in the Granada region on November 21, 2021. Before entering the cave, Beatriz was 48 years old and stepped out months after her 50th birthday. Despite not having any contact with humans, she was monitored by a team of scientists, psychologists, and speleologists since this was a one-of-a-kind experiment, as reported by Oddity Central.
See a woman emerge after 500 days alone in a cave. https://t.co/T0JQjelv79 pic.twitter.com/8akbrUsvby
— CNN (@CNN) April 18, 2023
After exiting the cave, Flemini said she was still stuck in November 2021 and had no idea what occurred during the 500 days she spent in the 230ft deep cave. Additionally, she had to wear special glasses to protect her eyes from the sunlight and promised to share her experience once she took her first shower.
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“I’m still stuck on November 21, 2021. I don’t know anything about the world. I’ve been silent for a year-and-a-half, not talking to anyone but myself.”
While in the cave, Flemini said she read 60 books, exercised, drew, and knitted wool hats. She said she lost count after 150 days and believes she had been inside for at least two months. Also, the most difficult thing she had to deal with was a swarm of flies and experiencing ‘auditory hallucination,’ which causes your brain to make up sounds in silence.
Auditory hallucinations can be experienced in various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. They can also occur in individuals who have experienced trauma or are under extreme stress. Additionally, she had to be held by people who waited for her exit because her senses were readjusting to the outside world.
Social media users were also stunned by Flemini’s excursion as some said she was brave for lasting in a cave for 500 days.
Sacrifices people make for mankind. Thanks ma’am, hope this study helps us physically and mentally.
— Oyamsbabe🇺🇦 (@oyamsbabe) April 15, 2023
How did she eat? Was there food down there already?
— kookiem305 (@kookiem305) April 15, 2023
Insane. Why purposely do this to yourself? Experiment on the mind? Most people would go crazy or starve to death. https://t.co/VXHLXbewVU
— RachelMaldonadoBooks (@authormaldonado) April 15, 2023
What happens when you’re self-isolated in a cave for days
Several physical and psychological effects can occur when a human is isolated in a cave for days. Physically, the lack of exposure to sunlight can disturb the body’s circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep and wake up at appropriate times. This can also lead to decreased vitamin D levels, essential for bone health and immune system function.
Psychologically, isolation in a cave can cause feelings of loneliness, boredom, and anxiety. The lack of social interaction and stimulation can lead to declining mental health and cognitive functioning. Sometimes, individuals may experience hallucinations or delusions due to sensory deprivation.
Additionally, being isolated in a cave may lead to a lack of access to food and water, which can cause dehydration, malnourishment, and physical weakness.