Why You Feel Worse at Night: Anxiety, ADHD & Overthinking

Written By Angella Alexandrou

For many people, evenings are the hardest part of the day.

You might notice your mind becoming louder, more anxious, or harder to switch off.

What’s Happening

At night:

  • Distractions reduce

  • Your brain has space to process

  • Fatigue lowers your ability to regulate thoughts

For ADHD, this can also mean:

  • Delayed processing of the day

  • Increased mental activity when stimulation drops

Common Experiences

  • Overthinking conversations or decisions

  • Worry about the future

  • Feeling suddenly low or overwhelmed

  • Difficulty falling asleep

What Can Help

  • Creating a “buffer zone” before bed (not going straight from stimulation to sleep)

  • Writing thoughts down to externalise them

  • Gentle sensory regulation (shower, tea, quiet time)

  • Reducing pressure to “switch off perfectly”


There’s nothing wrong with you—your mind is trying to process what it didn’t have space for during the day.

Angella Alexandrou
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