21.08.2024 11:20
Swedish Karolina Olsson gained fame as the 'sleeping beauty' after falling asleep at the age of 14 and waking up at the age of 46. In 1876, Karolina was put to bed due to a toothache and was able to wake up 32 years later in 1908. During this time, she was examined by many doctors but could not be awakened. It was reported that she did not remember the 32-year period and did not recognize her siblings when she woke up. After waking up, Karolina lived for another 42 years and passed away in 1950. Her story is still surrounded by mystery and curiosity.
Swedish Karolina Olsson became known as the 'sleeping beauty' in real life. According to the story, Karolina fell asleep at the age of 14 and woke up at the age of 46.
Karolina was born on October 29, 1861, as the only daughter of five siblings. She lived a normal life until the age of 14. However, one day in 1876, she returned home with a swollen face and unbearable toothache. She told her family that she slipped while crossing a frozen river. When the pain became unbearable, her family put her to bed. Little did they know that Karolina would not wake up until 1908.
Initially, her worried family and neighbors collected money to call a doctor, but when they couldn't wake Karolina up, they settled for regular check-ups.
Over time, Karolina's condition did not change. Even when she was taken to the hospital and electric shocks were applied to wake her up, her condition remained the same. Doctors from various fields could not explain this condition that did not fit any known sleep disorders.
Karolina's mother continued to take care of her for years, it is said that she fed her milk while she was asleep. After her mother passed away in 1905, a maid was hired to take care of Karolina.
Three years later, the maid heard strange noises coming from Karolina's room. When they rushed upstairs, they found the now 46-year-old woman walking around the room stumbling and crying. It is said that Karolina did not remember the 32 years she slept and no longer recognized her siblings.
Interestingly, Karolina was not greatly affected by the years she spent lying down. Within a few weeks, she regained her strength and speech ability. This led some to question whether Karolina really slept or if the whole event was a complex game arranged to protect her from interacting with the world, for whatever reason.
Swedish psychiatrist Harald Fröderström stated that he believed Karolina may have experienced a type of psychosis as a result of a traumatic event, but her story still remains surrounded by mystery and curiosity.
After waking up, Karolina lived for another 42 years and passed away in 1950.