Would have posted this in parenting, but I think it may apply to adults as well.

I used to think that Clam Jr. was trying to get out of going to bed on time all the time... because he would go all day doing stuff, running, jumping, playing, etc.... then when bedtime came, all of a sudden he had a headache, or his foot hurt, or a stomachache, or felt nauseous...

New theory:

When you are in bed, you have no noises, no lights, nothing moving, nothing entertaining to focus on. You are in sensory deprivation, almost. The only thing you have left to focus on is your own body and any sensations coming from IT.

I think many people with ADD are too busy focusing on entertaining things all day to notice complaints they would otherwise have... and as soon as they are settled in bed, that is when they figure out, "gee, my foot's been hurting all day..."

Thanks, itschaotic, for moving this to the correct area.

Interesting idea, clam. It makes a lot of sense to me.

I completely agree with that. Even if I know I am in pain I completely ignore it and forget about it, but then around bed time it actually becomes a problem. Ive always wondered why I noticed headaches and such late at night when I know Ive had it all day.

You describe my son EXACTLY!!!!! Though he will also use these "sudden pains" to try and get out of anything he doesn't want to do...clever they are! :D My son would also get "stomach aches" when he was bored in school so he could go home sick which would also fit this description, I think!

Kim