Exploring the Link Between Creativity and Insomnia: A Lifelong Struggle

Insomnia has long been entwined with creativity, inspiring artists and thinkers alike throughout history. Notable figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Louise Bourgeois, and Patricia Highsmith provide poignant examples of how sleepless nights can fuel artistic expression. Arifa Akbar's reflective narrative delves into her own lifetime of insomnia, examining its roots, effects, and potential remedies.

In her article, Akbar recounts her childhood experiences with sleep, highlighting how they transformed into a lifelong battle against insomnia. She recalls how the sounds of daily life became unbearable, disrupting her attempts to find solace in sleep. Akbar notes that the quest for the root cause of insomnia is often elusive, suggesting that factors may stem from childhood experiences or even genetic predispositions.

Professor Derk-Jan Dijk, an expert in sleep science at the University of Surrey, emphasizes the concept of a 'sleep personality,' indicating that childhood sleep habits can persist into adulthood. Akbar reflects on her own shifts in sleeping patterns, particularly after moving from Pakistan to the UK, where life took on a more chaotic rhythm. This change, she suggests, may have contributed to her insomnia, characterized by an acute need for silence and order in her surroundings.

Art provides a unique lens through which to view insomnia, as expressed in the works of Van Gogh and Bourgeois. Van Gogh's famed painting, *The Starry Night*, was created during a period of intense personal turmoil, while Bourgeois's *Insomnia Drawings* capture the psychological distress associated with sleeplessness. Akbar highlights how these artists not only grappled with their insomnia but also channeled their experiences into their art. Van Gogh's vivid imagery and Bourgeois's haunting sketches serve as testaments to the complex relationship between creativity and mental anguish.

As Akbar navigates her own experiences with insomnia, she draws parallels between her struggles and those of her late sister, Fauzia, who faced her own battles with sleep during her life. This personal connection underscores the emotional weight that insomnia can carry, as it intertwines with grief and loss.

Moreover, Akbar explores the gendered aspects of insomnia, referencing research by Professor Dijk that indicates women may experience sleep disturbances differently than men. Factors such as hormonal changes during menopause can exacerbate insomnia, with implications for mental health. Recent studies have linked increased rates of insomnia among women in midlife to heightened risks of anxiety and depression, further complicating the narrative surrounding sleep and its impact on wellbeing.

In conclusion, Akbar’s exploration of insomnia highlights its multifaceted nature, revealing how it can serve as both an affliction and a catalyst for creativity. As she seeks potential remedies, including engaging with art and writing, the narrative prompts readers to consider the broader implications of sleep disturbances on mental health and artistic expression. The interplay between insomnia and creativity remains a poignant subject, inviting ongoing discussion and exploration in both scientific and artistic communities.