Sometimes we get concepts or problems which require really obscure, non-obvious steps or metaphors and I’d say that more than half of the conceptual breakthroughs I’ve had in the last 2 years have come after 1am, last night I could suddenly see in my head where I’ve been going wrong on a quantum problem question and then 2 minutes later realised a metaphor for gaussian variance.

Your reasoning is also the same as mine- when I’m tired my brain is more relaxed and open, I get out of the rut where I follow the same path over and over.

I’m torn on whether to try taking some drugs (LSD, grass, alcohol?) to recreate the effect.

It might be that as I’ve gotten older I’m more aware of my natural aversion to risk and understand that for the most part the consequences are never as bad as you imagine. It gets me to take a few chances I might not have in years past.

For me it’s not the lack of interruption since I’m pretty goof and controlling that, but I definitely censure myself less and spend less time editing when I’m tired and less inhibited.

It’s interesting you say feeling sad makes it more difficult to write. I used to find that made me write more and I know a few people who do their best work when they aren’t feeling their best emotionally. I guess it depends on what you have to say though. The poems I wrote when I was feeling down came easily, but weren’t exactly the happiest poems in the world.

childlike without boundary

That’s what it is for me when I’m tired. The lack of inhibition is akin to a more childlike state. I get too tired to realize how far I might be going and just go with it.

No need to apologize for a long comment. I like long comments. especially when you have something to say.

When your post is written feel free to stop back here and post a link to it.

I wouldn’t recommend chemical dependents as a way toward creativity, though I’ve seen it help some people. I’ve also seen the very negative consequences it can lead to as well.

I tend to get most creative at night, probably because, as you said, I’m less likely to worry about what other people might think. I also get interrupted less at night, which means I have more time to follow a thought to its conclusion.

Interesting post. I think you may be on to something here.

Tiny things are needed in order to enhance that for me today though..On a cool night, windows open to a cross breeze, lighting bright, music playing..I can wonder into that younger days zone and do the same..

Emotions also encourage late night creativity. There have been many things lately that have gotten me down. It’s more difficult to write while I’m feeling sad. But, when agitated, I certainly don’t have any problem with flow..although, as David also said, it is not frequently my best.

When I am stimulated by happiness, my creativity is positive, nurturing, free flowing like an endless river, and even childlike without boundary. I write better, sing better, research better, and so on..

Oh yea..baaaa…is my newest ‘ick’ word.

I’m a risk taker and I’m not afraid to suggest or try something and see how it works out – I figure that if I don’t try, I’ll never accomplish anything and usually whatever the final/best answer is comes while we’re trying ideas and possible solutions not while we’re sitting around talking about the problem or the goal we want to accomplish.

sorry for the long comment Maybe, I just talk too much… You’ve given me an idea for a blog post though so thanks!

I’ve never used chemical stimulants so I wouldn’t know about their effect.

With a good grasp of technical aspects, the left brain can freely feed the right brain and allow creativity to flourish.