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Sleepless review: Exploring the creative possibilities of the night

Being outside and awake at night can be dangerous, particularly for women, but an intriguing book from Annabel Abbs argues that embracing the unique brain states that come with darkness can be a joy

By Catherine de Lange

17 January 2024

Female Artist Drawing with Paint Brush Energetically, Enthusiastically Talented Female Artist Drawing with Paint Brush Energetically Enthusiastically, She Creates Modern Masterpiece of Oil Painting. ; Shutterstock ID 1540650212; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Biochemical changes in the brain at night can free us to explore our creative selves

Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock​

Sleepless
Annabel Abbs
John Murray Press (UK, out now); G. P. Putnam’s Sons (US, 14 February)

MUCH ink has been spilled on sleep in popular science books (and in this magazine). We know how a lack of it can expose us to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, as well as corrupt memory and the ability to regulate emotions. We also know how many hours we need and how “sleep hygiene” is key…

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