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Sleep disorder & throbbing headaches
I get throbbing headaches at night.My mind keeps thinking about all past negative moments repeatedly even when I don't want to. Even in sleep etc. I find it hard & scary to drive, since childhood I used to find it hard to concentrate, zoning out often, I can't sit still for long time since childhood. Even now I can't sit simply. I talk a lot, I find it very hard to multitask. I can't sleep coz of overthinking. My mind is always thinking about something or the other until I get severe headaches . Even after trying to sleep I don't get sleep till 2:00 AM n all. Then I sleep at 3:00 AM & wake up to headaches at 3:30.Unable to study or do anything coz of sleep deprivation & stress, anxiety etc. Then when I go for exams without sleep & food I hardly remember anything & also faint sometimes. No matter how well I'll have studied I get scared & have fainted so many times.
Answers (13)
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Hi,
Your symptoms suggest a combination of chronic anxiety, sleep disturbance, and possible features of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, zoning out, difficulty multitasking). The repeated negative thoughts, throbbing headaches, and sleep deprivation are worsening your concentration and exam performance.
These issues are treatable with the right combination of therapy, lifestyle interventions, and (if needed) medication. What you are experiencing is not uncommon, but it does need proper evaluation by a psychiatrist to clarify whether it is primarily anxiety, ADHD, or a mix of both, and to plan structured treatment.
Next Steps
👉 Please consult a psychiatrist for detailed assessment- treatment can include focused sleep hygiene measures, CBT for anxiety/overthinking, and possibly medication to help regulate mood, attention, and sleep.
👉 Keep a headache and sleep diary to show your doctor- it helps in identifying triggers.
👉 Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid stimulants like caffeine late in the day, and use relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation) before bedtime.
👉 For exams, practice mock tests under timed conditions- this reduces performance anxiety.
Health Tips
Do not ignore your fainting spells and severe headaches- these need to be ruled out for medical causes (like migraine or other neurological issues). Please seek an in-person consultation at the earliest rather than postponing. Avoid self-medicating for sleep or stress.
For more queries, Reach out for an online or in-person consultation:
📞 NEURONAL FIX CLINIC, RAMPRASTHA COLONY, Ghaziabad (near Shreshtha Vihar, Delhi) – +91-74XX52XX97XX67XX61
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"Hi there, I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the first brave step. I can guide you with a clear treatment plan tailored just for you, so you can feel better and regain control over your life. You can reach me directly on WhatsApp for quick support on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two."
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Hi,
The best way ahead would be a detailed clinical interview to understand the symptoms and your comprehensive history.
For a personalized plan, find me by searching "Dr Abhinav Tewari Neuropsychiatrist Lucknow" on Google Maps — my details are listed there.
ẄĤÃŤŠÅPP available on nine four one five three nine four three seven nine
Kind Regards,
Dr Abhinav Tewari
Consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist
MBBS (A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi)
MD (Psychiatry) (A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi)
DNB (NBEMS)
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It sounds like your mind has been racing nonstop for years, leaving you exhausted, anxious, and in pain. The constant overthinking, restlessness, difficulty sitting still, trouble focusing, and late-night thoughts point to more than just stress you may be dealing with ADHD or an anxiety disorder that needs proper evaluation. You don’t have to keep suffering like this. Please see a psychologist, for assessment and treatment, and start small self-care steps: fixed bedtime routine, no screens before sleep, light exercise, and calming breath work. With the right help, you can regain focus, sleep, and peace.
Next Steps
Medical check-up – rule out any physical causes of headaches or fainting (like anemia, thyroid, or sleep issues).
Psychiatric evaluation – to assess for ADHD, anxiety, or both. This can open options for safe medication if needed.
Therapy – start CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) to manage racing thoughts, reduce anxiety, and build exam coping skills.
Sleep hygiene – fixed bedtime, no caffeine after 5 pm, no phone in bed, calming routine (warm shower, soft recitation or white noise).
Health Tips
Brain dump before bed – write down all thoughts on paper, then close the book. It signals your brain that worries are “stored” safely.
Anchor your body – when overthinking, press your feet firmly into the ground, name what you see, hear, feel. It slows racing thoughts.
Move daily – even a 15-minute walk reduces restlessness and improves sleep quality.
Self-compassion – when you catch yourself overthinking, gently say, “It’s okay, I don’t need to solve everything right now.”
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Your symptoms suggest anxiety with sleep disturbance, and counselling along with relaxation techniques can help you manage overthinking, stress and headaches.
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hi
please consult for psychotherapy
Next Steps
Go for counselling sessions
Health Tips
Do yoga and excercise
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You are 21 years old, you have mentioned your symptoms and the distress associated with it.
You must plan a consultation so that further detailed evaluation regarding childhood symptoms, temperament , hyperactivity symptoms, etc
*Do not get worried, first consult and after a detailed assessment, management will be planned
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Hi
Your symptoms suggest a mix of childhood attention issues (like ADHD traits) and current anxiety, overthinking, and sleep problems. This cycle of stress → insomnia → headaches → poor focus → more anxiety is what’s making exams and daily life very hard. You’ll benefit from both medical support for sleep/headaches and therapy to manage anxiety, overthinking, and focus skills.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five
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As I understand, the intervention should focus on your childhood and the structure of your life till date. Due to stress and anxiety it becomes harder to concentrate. Empty stomach and sleep deprivation won't let you do well in any task.
Next Steps
Please visit a therapist soon. If required you will be referred for medication.
Health Tips
Being multi-tasking is the biggest cause of exhaustion and burn out. That's not a credit. So please don't think you are weak because you are not a multi-tasking person.
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Dr. Satnam Singh (PhD)
Psychologist
20 yrs exp
Gurgaon
It is difficult to give any specific advice. Taking professional help would be most helpful.
Next Steps
I am a Psychologist ,a hypnotherapist.and sleep counsellor.Book a session with me and let me help you.
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Dr. Soumya Ande
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Get assessed for ADHD. Take it from there.
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Dr. K L Tejaswini
Neuropsychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Guntur
Hii..
Treatment will help you relieve symptoms..
Combination of therapy and medicine can work better..
Consult online for further assessment and treatment
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Dr. Shailaja Bandla
Addiction Psychiatrist
19 yrs exp
Vijayawada
Hi. Medicines can help. Consult online for treatment
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