In December of 2022, I embarked on a journey to create a piece that represents our circadian rhythms and how they affect our waking and sleeping brains. The process was collaborative as I worked very closely with a neurologist who specializes in sleep medicine. She was invaluable in giving me resources and ideas that made the piece come to life and I am so grateful for all of her input along the way.  As always, I learned SO much while making the piece about how our brains work. Below you will find detailed photos about my artistic process and below that a fully annotated look at  all of the symbols included in this piece.  I urge you to visit SaveStandardTime.com to learn more! Click on the thumbnails to enlarge each photo for a better look. Below the annotated brain you will find an audio file if you have difficulty reading the fine print. Enjoy!

​Have a question? Leave a comment below and I will try to get an answer for you. 

This last week has been a bad one for sleep. Insomnia is a problem I've had off and on my entire life. Sometimes I can track it to a specific cause like that 3pm cup of coffee or the chocolate I had in the evening. Sometimes it is my anxious brain spinning out of control - rewriting the many to do lists I have - over and over in my head, or worrying about the thing I didn't do... Do you suffer too? Here is advice from the Sleep Foundation on What to do When you Can't Sleep.

I've learned that instead of tossing and turning all night, I am a happier person if I get up and do something. This week I worked on a rainbow brain embroidery until 4am two nights in a row. Embroidery is relaxing for me and BONUS! I feel like I'm getting some work done - so, instead of just being tired the next day, I feel accomplished and tired.

And, sometimes my very handsome cat, Ben, keeps me company.

What do you do when you can't sleep? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.