Because I have written over the last years a lot and under many different conditions to the point that I know how my mind works quite well, it is even weirder to feel so much like a stranger in my own head.
One of my wife's friends has experience supporting stroke patients and the advice is for them to relax and do the things they enjoy in life.
In my opinion, he might be right in some extent. ¡Think about it!
I enjoy thinking and working and putting my mind under some level of stress, but it is like each time I do, someone says that I should do nothing instead.
And all those "someones" that also say the same might be right too!! :)
They might be right, they might be wrong - one thing I don't do is put my fate willingly in the hands of others if I can help it. I am happy to blame myself, I am happy to be blamed - but I don't want someone to blame themselves over something they told me to do.
Hahaha, seems like you actually like fight sleep as a toddler. And as you say: "You enjoy putting your mind under some level of stress"
But... just stop there a bit and ask you why?
¿Why insist in putting your mind under some level of stress? ¿For what specifically?
We are talking here about sleep and rest well every time when you actually know that you need it.
So, why not switch your daily dosage of stress for a higher dose of relax, rest and sleep whenever you have the chance just as a test?
Stress always will have the formidable mania of getting to you if you don't even look for it.
¿So why bother looking for it?
And regardless of the eventual results to which this new experiment leads you. Take into account that there aren't and never will be anyone to blame for anything. Absolutely no one!!
Put your fate where it should be put. And wait patiently for the good results without having to force them. Perhaps it is precisely in the dream world where you will finally find the peace and inspiration to move forward without stress. Just dare to enter into the oneiric world more often. :)