Sleep. What is that exactly? Something that everyone needs each night.
Most adults need around seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
I try to get a good night’s sleep every night, but it doesn’t always work out the way I would like.
For instance, during the day, if I work all day, then I work when I get home. Sometimes I lose track of time. And the next thing I know is it’s 11 p.m.
Knowing that my alarm is set for 5:30 to 5:45 a.m. each weekday, that is too late for me to wind down.
In fact, I haven’t gotten any down, or relaxation, time.
Trying to go to sleep at that point is hard. But somehow I manage to get there eventually.
What happens to my body when I don’t get enough sleep? How does whatever happens to my body affect my writing?
1. Less alert
With a lack of sleep, your body is less alert. You won’t be able to write as much as you would like because you are trying hard to stay awake.
No amount of coffee or caffeinated drinks will help either. All you will do is fill your body with unnecessary caffeine.
2. Less concentration
Going along with being less alert is less concentration. You won’t be able to concentrate as much on whatever writing you are working on.
You will be easily distracted by other things. You may not even be able to sit still long enough to write anything.
3. Overwhelmed
Do you ever have times where you feel overwhelmed? A lack of sleep will do that to you.
Feeling overwhelmed will keep you from writing as much as well. For instance, if you have a goal of 1000 words a day and a long to do list, your writing may not happen.
Why? You don’t feel it’s as important as something else on your list.
Writing will take a backseat to everything else.
4. Less creativity
Less sleep means less creativity. You can’t think in a creative way when it comes to your writing.
Your brain is foggy. You can’t think straight.
Final thoughts
A lack of sleep for me usually means most of the above. When I am doing any of those, not much writing gets done.
For that matter, sometimes not much else gets done as well.
In that case, it’s best to take a break and let my brain rest. I can’t be creative when I’m that exhausted.
What happens with you and your writing due to a lack of sleep? Do any of of the above happen?
I get 8 hrs./night a couple times a year unless I’m pregnant. Then, more often. I’d like to get more rest but I’m not sure there’s anything I’m willing to give up to get it.
I am lucky if I get six hours of sleep a night. I think that’s why I’m having such a hard time focusing to write during the day.