The Artistic Lullaby: Exploring Why Creating Art Can Make You Sleepy

Picking up a paint brush when "Slumberland" is calling my name is a cardinal sin in my art studio. Far too many mistakes have been made on the canvas in the effort of trying to prove to myself that I have top notch work ethic. Late night paint sessions are a thing of the past for me (I'm pushing 40 and can't hang like I used to). So when I started working on a commission the other week, I was a well rested artist ready to tactical a new portrait painting. Fast forward a couple hours, that well rested portrait artist had transformed into an narcoleptic dwarf. 

This was not the first time this has happened to me and I was curious to find out if this was a "thing" or was I just a lazy artist? It turns out I'm not lazy at all and creative sleepiness is indeed a common occurrence.

The act of creating art is a deeply engaging and fulfilling process that allows individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Whether it's painting, writing, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression, immersing yourself in the creative realm can bring about a range of emotions and experiences. One intriguing phenomenon that some artists have reported is feeling a sense of drowsiness or sleepiness during or after engaging in their artistic endeavors. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing relationship between art and sleepiness, exploring the possible reasons behind this unique experience.

1. The Power of Focus:

When engrossed in the creative process, artists often experience a heightened sense of focus. This intense concentration on the task at hand can lead to a state of mental and physical relaxation. As the mind becomes fully absorbed in the creative flow, it can induce a calming effect similar to meditation or mindfulness practices. This state of deep focus and tranquility can naturally pave the way to feeling sleepy.

Photo by RDNE Stock Project

2. Emotional Release:

Art is often regarded as a form of emotional release. Through various artistic mediums, individuals can channel their feelings, whether it be joy, sadness, anger, or tranquility. This emotional catharsis can be mentally exhausting, as it requires tapping into the depths of one's emotions and confronting them head-on. The process of confronting and expressing intense emotions can leave an artist feeling drained, triggering a sense of sleepiness as the body and mind seek respite. If you've ever attended a therapy session and felt extremely drained afterward, this is the same concept. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

3. The Relaxation Response:

Engaging in artistic endeavors triggers the relaxation response in the body, similar to activities like yoga or listening to soothing music. When we create art, our brains release endorphins and reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This chemical shift promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation. Consequently, this physical and mental relaxation can contribute to feeling sleepy.

Photo by cottonbro studio

4. Sensory Stimulation and Fatigue:

Creating art often involves working with various materials, tools, and sensory stimuli. Artists may spend long hours painting, sketching, or engaging in other intricate tasks that require precise movements and concentration. The repetitive nature of these activities, combined with the sensory stimulation from visual and tactile experiences, can induce a state of mental and physical fatigue. This exhaustion can manifest as drowsiness, especially when the body and mind begin to wind down after a prolonged period of artistic engagement.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

The experience of feeling sleepy while creating art is an intriguing aspect of the artistic process. It can be attributed to the deep focus and relaxation that accompanies artistic engagement, as well as the emotional release and sensory stimulation involved. While this phenomenon may not be universal, many artists have reported this unique connection between their creative pursuits and a sense of drowsiness. Embracing and acknowledging this aspect can help artists better understand their own creative journey and potentially harness the power of sleepiness to enhance their artistic expression further. So, the next time you find yourself drifting off to sleep while painting or writing, embrace the artistic lullaby and allow it to guide you into a world of dreams and inspiration.