Strange Sensations and Sleepless Nights: Seeking Solutions
I'm a 21-year-old male experiencing persistent discomfort under my armpits and on my neck. This irritation only subsides when I apply pressure with my hands. In addition to that, a peculiar sensation arises in my toe joints, reminiscent of the urge to crack them, yet it remains until I manage to divert my attention elsewhere. This feeling has been ongoing for several years, but of late, it's become a nightly occurrence, preventing me from falling asleep until around 5 AM. Alongside these issues, I have ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Despite my search for similar experiences shared by others, I've come up empty-handed. Any guidance or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 7:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a combination of physical discomfort and sleeplessness, which can be quite challenging, especially alongside your existing mental health conditions. Let's address these concerns step by step.
Main Points:
You have persistent discomfort under your armpits and neck, peculiar sensations in your toe joints, and significant sleep disturbances that are impacting your daily life.
Explanation:
The discomfort you're feeling in your armpits and neck might be related to muscle tension or perhaps nerve irritation. Applying pressure seems to relieve it, hinting at a musculoskeletal issue. The sensation in your toe joints could be something similar, possibly linked to anxiety or restlessness, especially given your existing conditions like ADHD and OCD. Sleep problems are common in individuals with mental health challenges, which can compound your discomfort and lead to a cycle of distress.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Care for Muscle Discomfort:
- Gentle Stretching: Incorporate daily stretching exercises to help relieve muscle tension, especially in your neck and shoulders.
- Heat Application: Consider using a warm compress or heating pad on the affected areas to promote relaxation and blood flow.
-
Managing the Toe Sensation:
- Mindful Distraction Techniques: Engage in activities that absorb your attention, such as puzzles, reading, or even light exercise, to help redirect your focus from the urge to crack your toe joints.
-
Improving Sleep Hygiene:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's clock.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens (like phones and computers) at least an hour before bed to improve your sleep quality.
- Relaxation Routine: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading or listening to soothing music, to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
-
Monitor and Record: Keep a daily journal for a week to note any patterns in your symptoms, particularly the muscle discomfort and sleep issues. Include details about your daily activities, what alleviates or exacerbates your symptoms, and sleep quality. This information can be valuable for further assessments.
-
Seek Support: Since these symptoms are affecting your sleep and daily life, consider discussing them with a mental health professional familiar with ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. They may offer strategies tailored to your specific situation.
It's important to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these sensations and sleep issues. You are not alone in dealing with similar experiences, and finding the right strategies can make a positive difference over time. If you notice any worsening symptoms, please prioritize seeking professional advice.
Related Questions
18 Years Old, Assigned Female at Birth: Seeking Clarity from My Doctor
I feel quite foolish expressing my concerns here, but I visited my family physician today, and she seemed completely stumped regarding my situation. To be honest, I didn’t anticipate much support; my previous reluctance to seek medical advice has been significant this year—only going for essential vaccinations or infections. As a result, I’m not entirely certain how to interpret my symptoms, which, while concerning, I’ve managed to endure. For the past three weeks, I have been overwhelmed by exhaustion. Most days after class, I find it nearly impossible not to take a lengthy nap, typically around three to four hours. This fatigue is disrupting my studies; I frequently miss morning classes due to waking up utterly drained, feeling as though I’ve hardly rested at all. My eyes persistently ache, accompanied by a sense of constant pressure. I’m acutely aware of their discomfort. Additionally, I’ve noticed an increase in nosebleeds recently, which I rationalize as normal since I suspect it’s broken; however, the frequency over the last couple of weeks has seemed unusual. Yesterday, I noticed a change for the first time: my skin appeared almost translucent. Although my pale complexion typically explains some transparency, my legs looked unexpectedly so. Moreover, I often feel either too cold or too warm, with rarely any comfortable middle ground. At one point, I stood up and experienced a near-fainting spell. I generally love food, but my appetite has considerably diminished. I notice hunger pangs, yet the desire to eat is virtually nonexistent. I intend to consult another physician soon since I'm concerned about these symptoms and hoping for some insight regarding what might be going on with my health. :')
Sudden Episodes of Nausea That Persist for Days, Followed by Complete Recovery
As a brief introduction, I am a 21-year-old woman with no significant medical background. However, I do have a family history of diabetes and hypertension, though I am uncertain about their relevance to my current situation. I began experiencing these episodes after relocating to my new apartment last August. Whenever the air conditioning is running—rather than just heating—I find myself suffering from intense nausea, to the point where I can't keep even water down, only to feel perfectly normal afterward. During these moments, I experience significant cognitive fog, heightened sensitivity to stress, and a feverish feeling, none of which I had encountered before moving to this apartment. I'm questioning whether the air conditioning could be a factor; thus, I plan to buy a mold testing kit to investigate any potential issues connected to that. Symptoms during these episodes include chills throughout my body, pronounced nausea, sweating profusely, easy breathlessness, nasal congestion, and profound fatigue. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Post-Exertion Headache Followed by Nausea – A Week Later
A 24-year-old male, weighing 142 pounds, recently engaged in weightlifting last week. Unfortunately, he experienced a severe exertion headache that persisted for an entire day. After taking a week off to recuperate, he has been dealing with lingering nausea since that incident. Although he is not experiencing vomiting or significant gagging, he does encounter intermittent lightheadedness accompanied by a sense of nausea. Is this feeling a typical part of the recovery process following such a headache? Previously, he had been dealing with acid reflux issues, which had subsided this year. Could it be that anxiety or stress is contributing to these symptoms? Any insights would be appreciated.
Could My Blood Be Too Thick? Understanding Fatigue and Other Concerns
I'm a 19-year-old male who weighs 73 kg and stands at 180 cm tall. I've been wondering whether having dense blood could lead to fatigue and various health issues. I've come across information suggesting that increased blood viscosity might impact energy levels and overall wellness. It's essential for individuals in my age range and with my physical characteristics to monitor such factors, as they could influence not only how we feel daily but also long-term health. I would appreciate insights and advice on managing blood density and its potential effects on my body.
Overwhelming Fatigue After Starting New Medication
Hello, I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and dealing with being overweight, along with daily use of Walmart brand Claritin for my allergies. Recently, I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and my psychiatrist prescribed me Zyprexa four days ago. This transition came after a two-week period on Caplyta, which I was instructed to stop taking immediately to begin Zyprexa on the same day. Since I started Zyprexa on Monday, I cannot stress enough how intense my fatigue has become. I just awoke a short time ago after sleeping for over 20 hours straight, and even now, I can hardly keep my eyes open long enough to type this out. For almost four consecutive days, I’ve essentially been in a continuous sleep cycle, managing perhaps a few hours of functionality each day before I drift back into unconsciousness. My excessive sleeping is concerning my family, and it's severely affecting my ability to keep up with my school assignments. I find myself at a loss as to what steps to take next. The only side effect that my doctor had alerted me about was the potential for weight gain (though I’ve surprisingly lost some weight). I did some research and found that drowsiness is a known side effect of this medication, but what I am experiencing feels like much more than mere drowsiness. A family member suggested that I simply stop taking it, but it's not as straightforward as that. Finding the right medication for my mental health has been a struggle; I've tried around six different medications in the past that either had no effect or worsened my situation. If there’s a chance that Zyprexa may be effective for me, I am hesitant to discontinue it, yet I also recognize that this level of fatigue is not manageable. I’m uncertain whether the fatigue is indeed caused by Zyprexa, but it is the only significant change I’ve made recently, which is why I’m emphasizing it here.