Insomnia can be a writer's best friend. When the mind refuses to quiet down for a period of rest, you can sometimes use that energy as a catalyst for creating a work of art.

In times of stress, it is hard to settle down at the end of the day. Some times it isn't until bedtime that we can begin to process the events which have occurred. Our thoughts can be racing through our heads, looking for an avenue of escape. By writing, we are able to capture that mental chatter and release the emotions that cause us to overanalyze what went wrong. While our hearts desire escape, our minds know they can figure it out. Our words can gather meaning and help us understand how and why life is affecting us on so many levels.

Writing is a real release. It can calm the mind. If you believe our brain works in a way similar to the inner processing of a computer, then it is easy to see that sleep is the natural rebooting required to clear memory for the following day. As we journal, our words form an analysis of what the mind needs to interpret. It can lead to a better understanding of who we are and provide direction for the path ahead.

It doesn't matter what time of the day or night you prefer to write. The only requirement is allowing the ideas to flow. Writing can be a mesmerizing experience. The sounds involved in writing, whether you're using a computer or pen, can be as soothing as white noise to filter out the mental flood. It helps you find that quiet place within your mind so that you can focus on being productive and releasing your trapped imagination.

As you spend many nights writing, you can create enough information to fill a book. Writing in this environment of solitude can lead to real success. Your work can be published and you can start a new career.

It seems the more you express what you think and feel, the clearer things become. Writing can push us to realize the areas we need to improve, while also helping us determine the best ways to do so. Change is never easy. Some times it involves pain as we remove people or things which limit us out of our life. Other times, it is a necessary evil, regardless of how we feel about walking through the transformation.

Some of the most productive times for writing, are those when we aren't able to sleep. Insomnia can truly be the writer's best friend.

Learn more about this author, Diane Stacey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Insomnia: The writer's best friend?
We want to hear your view. Write now!