There are a few reasons nerve pain tends to spike when you're trying to sleep.
During the day, your brain filters out many nerve signals while you’re moving, thinking, and interacting with the world.
But when you lie down at night, that filter relaxes.
Suddenly the nerves in your feet have your full attention.
At the same time, circulation slows when you're still for long periods — which means irritated nerves receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients.
That combination can make nighttime the most frustrating part of nerve discomfort.