Sleep Deprivation and Writers: A Combination That Doesn't Work

We hear this all of the time from writers. The idea that they "work best" working late into the night and on into the very early morning. We hear the same from those that claim they can get up several hours before everyone else in the house wakes up. On top of all this, writers are attempting to continue working over 40 hours a week in "the real world", maintaining a household and, in some cases, trying to keep up with their kids and family.

With that said, many writers then turn to the phrase we heard a lot of high school and college students use when they were pulling an ALL-NIGHTER, "You know, I work best under pressure."

I am sorry to say this, but while this might sound good at the time, and while you might get a bit of an adreneline rush from those moments of brilliance, this is not a lifestyle that will result in a "career" in writing. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that you can't find that perfect writing time. And, I am certainly not saying there aren't writers out there that do work best from 9 pm until 2 am or those that can get up at 3 am daily. What you will notice though, is that those writers are still finding ways to get the required hours of sleep to maintain a "quality" writing career.

According tot he National Sleep Foundation, a non-profit looking at the issues of sleep issues in the US, they noted that over 60% say the symptoms from lack of sleep affected daily activities. They go on to note that 73% felt it affected mood; 63% - attention and concentration; 42% - family; and 36% job performance. (NSF, 2011).

As I look at these numbers, I am especially concerned. As a writer, we have to be in the right mood to create those stories. Feeling depressed about the project we are working on will result in not putting your best work out there for your readership. In the end, you are just writing something to get by, telling yourself that the next book will be better. Unfortunately, unless you change, the odds are it will turn into the same mediocrity you did witht he first.

Now we add in the attentiona and concentration. Again, as a writer, those small details are crucial to your story. Silly mistakes can be a down fall.

Now we add in "the real world" and the last two percentages. You need your family to be there for you. If you are finding the lack of sleep is resulting in being "too tired" to do things with your family, you need to ask yourself how long they will accept this behavior? The odds are, they won't last. As for the job performance, if you are one of the "wise writers" out there that did not give up your day job, you may be at risk of losing that income. Now, for those writers that have made writing their career, that 36% will start to affect the way you work with the marketing and business side of your life.

Look, I am not talking about extreme changes in your life, but writing is tough work and it requires sleep and rest (don't get me started on diet and excersise). You cannot keep lying to yourself about your sleep patterns. Find a way to create that perfect balance. And for those of you with editors and agents, it is OK to discuss how to maintain a writing pace to keep your sanity and life. Discuss those deadlines before you contract. In the end, EVERYONE will be happier.

I'm off to Oklahoma! See you all on Monday! Although, knowing me, I might slip in a post during the weekend.

Scott