Structure of Haemoglobin: Haemoglobin is an aggregation of four globular proteins (typically two alpha and two beta subunits), each with an embedded haeme group. Each haeme group allows the binding of an oxygen molecule.
Here's another intriguing case from the Guinness World Records. In 1964, a 17-year-old high school student named Randy Gardner beat the world record for sleep deprivation by staying awake for 264 hours (11 days) without using any stimulants.
Unlike Tripp (who, incidentally, used stimulants to stay awake) there were no reports of any long term personality changes. Much to Gardner's displeasure, within a month of setting his sleep deprivation record, Toimi Soini of Finland stayed awake for 276 hours (11.5 days). And in 1977, Maureen Weston of the UK went without sleep for a massive 449 hours (18.7 days).