In The Committee of Sleep, published in 2001, Dr. Deirdre Barrett examines strokes of genius and the dreams that inspired them. Reviewing the work of Beethoven, Dalí, Paul McCartney and biologist Margie Profet, the Harvard Medical School professor posits that we possess the power to solve our waking lives’ problems while fast asleep. In the 20 years since the book was first published, the way we sleep has drastically changed: We work too much and stay up too late, and personal electronics can interrupt the rest we do get. Amid a global pandemic, Barrett still believes the answers we seek are closer than we might imagine—if only we’re willing to dream. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 45 Yoga with Adriene The internet’s best friend is—finally—finding her own flow. Arts & Culture Garden Issue 45 Piet Oudolf The Dutch designer bringing life—and death—to traditional gardens. Arts & Culture Issue 45 Thomas MacDonell The conservationist transforming the Highlands. Arts & Culture Design Issue 45 The New Craftsmen From the Outer Hebrides to central London, Catherine Lock is celebrating the crafts heritage of Great Britain. Arts & Culture Music Issue 45 Gerard & Kelly On dance, domesticity and the giants of modernism. Arts & Culture Issue 45 Hang in There How to make the best of a bad job.
Arts & Culture Issue 45 Yoga with Adriene The internet’s best friend is—finally—finding her own flow.
Arts & Culture Garden Issue 45 Piet Oudolf The Dutch designer bringing life—and death—to traditional gardens.
Arts & Culture Design Issue 45 The New Craftsmen From the Outer Hebrides to central London, Catherine Lock is celebrating the crafts heritage of Great Britain.
