We also learn that we don’t have the luxury of wasting time. If the baby takes a nap for two hours and you have a creative idea knocking down the door, it’s amazing how much you can accomplish in those two hours when you jump in. Many have written about how the structure (or constraints, if you will) of motherhood actually make us more productive, because of the stark light that gets thrown onto windows of opportunity.

As my children have grown (well, and yes, I kept having more of them — 5 — which perpetuated the sleep deprivation beyond an accumulated decade), I have tried to leverage what I learned from those early days (presence and opportunism) to my creative advantage. When I can, I reap the benefits, and my creative abundance continues to increase, despite the fact that for the most part I’m fairly well rested. (I can’t believe I just tempted fate by writing that AGAIN. I’m simply asking to have my household struck by a stomach virus that precludes decent sleep for a week, aren’t I?!?!)

Sometimes I wish I could be ‘forced’ into a deep sleep, like your situation with the rx! My biggest problem is that I can’t turn off my brain at night — constantly thinking, planning, analyzing…gah!

The articles I linked are only a small bit of what I actually found on the topic. It fascinates me, the whole study of creativity and how it works on a psychological/neurological level. I’m glad it inspired you to think on the topic as well.

Oh I hear you on the ‘younger, more capable self’. I feel that way too. And for me, since turning 40 last year, I notice just how many more hours that base requirement is than it used to be. I distinctly remember 5 or 6 hours a night being PLENTY for weeks, whereas now, six hours more than once a week is “I need a caffeine IV”.

In some cases, I would agree that some people are far more creative in that sleep-deprived state. The stereotypical ‘artist’ persona is often depicted as working at all hours of the night — or all night! It’s never really been the case for me, as I tend to get overwhelmed and can’t make creative decisions when I am exhausted. I have three kids, too, and I found that, when they were really tiny, the times when I knocked out some really impressive work was after I had some significant sleep. But, as with anything, each person is an individual and what works for one certainly may not work for, or apply to, all. It’s great to ‘meet’ you — thanks for your comments!

I’ve long been guilty of sacrificing sleep in the name of getting things done, especially when on a big deadline — but like you, I’ve learned with age that this isn’t sustainable. Staying up late just means I’ll be far less coherent the next day, so will lose any ground I thought I’d gained. I’ve finally figured out that there’s no free lunch where sleep is concerned. And when I’m overtired I too tend to look for energy in the fridge, which always turns out badly.

Last year I started taking a daily prescription that (as a side-effect) makes me sleep very heavily. I have to take it at night, because I’d be lethargic if I took it during the day. In a way, this rx is a blessing, because it ensures that I sleep well every night. I dream vividly and remember my dreams. I never experience insomnia anymore, and even my husband’s snoring rarely disturbs me. Being well rested makes a big difference in daily life, although I don’t like knowing that it’s at least in part the by-product of a drug. For now, I’ll take advantage of the situation for as long as it lasts. My creativity and productivity levels are without a doubt elevated.

Oh, and for the record, I LOVE napping. When my kids are old enough (yeah, like when I’m retired) I’ll definitely nap on a daily basis

Thank you for such a thought-provoking post!

when i do get more than usual shortchanged sleep, the main thing i notice is just feeling ‘like my old self’ or should i say, younger more capable self, rather than like i’m moving through molasses in my mind and body, which is most days.