I don't drink, smoke or do narcotics, so I have no first hand account to agree or disagree with the veracity of this study. However, what I have experienced is sleep deprivation (not insomnia but self induced sleep deprivation because there is just not enough time to do stuff) makes me creative. I find solutions that are innovative, out of the box, laterally thought etc to problems that keep bugging me (I don't mean just programming or software problems). The strange thing is, the solutions come out of nowhere, like a divine inspiration or something.

And just like being drunk, the sleep deprivation, at least to me, causes noticeable loss in physical strength, makes me irritable and generally less socially convivial, causes gas, heart burn and bad breath, even shows signs of the dreaded ED, but the benefit of solution epiphany makes me want to go through it often. I know its bad for the health, so, now that I am over 35, I use it quite sparingly, only to problems that I estimate are really worth it.

The epiphany thing doesn't need sleep deprivation and there are several 'aha moments' in the normal state. I am sure most people who routinely ponder on problems have had this experience. But the quality of solutions and the thrill it provides makes the Sleep Deprived Solution Epiphany (tm) quite a stimulating and almost spiritual experience. I feel refreshed and more confident in my abilities after an episode.