620 : Shocked but not defeated

Hi Folks,
I appeared for the GMAT on 16 july and scored a dismal 620 ( 49 24). The only purpose of writing my debrief here despite a pathetic performance is to give my mates a very very strong message especially to all those appearing for the first time.
I kicked off my preparation in Jan this year and studied diligently( atleast the practice test scores reflect so, if not the actual gmat) for last 6 months + with a month of break in between. Having studied for approx. 6 months, I devoted approx. 25-30 hrs each week. My practice tests scores month wise are enumerated below:-
01 Jan 12 Platimum gmat test 600-620 ( Don’t remember the breakdown)
22 Jan MGMAT 1( free one) 710 ( 47 40) without AWA
26 feb GMATPREP 1 690 ( 48 35) - do –
18 Mar MGMAT 1 680(47 35) -do-
25 Mar MGMAT 2 680 (48 34) -do-
16 Apr Powerprep 1 610 ( 50 23) -do-
20 Apr Powerprep 2 760 ( 51 41) -do-
04 May MGMAT 3 740 (50 41) -do-
09 May MGMAT 4 730 ( 50 39) written with IR
27 May MGMAT 5 740 ( 51 40) with essay and IR
10 Jun MGMAT 6 740 ( 51 40) with essay and IR
30 Jun GMATPREP 2 730 ( 50 39) with essay and IR
03-10 july Gmatprep1 & 2 repeated twice 720-750 with essay and IR
16 July ACTUAL CAT 620 ( 49 24)
All the above tests were done in absolutely timed conditions with an effort to replicate the real test conditions.

D DAY
The day before the test I studied for some time but kept myself free for the most of the day, However, on the night leading to the test day, I could not sleep despite my best efforts. During the night, twice the light went off as if it were to further aggravate my sleep problem. Anyways, I had given few practice tests during the times when I was tired the most, so I thought I will cruise the no sleep factor without any major hiccups. My test was scheduled for morning 9, so after numerous unsuccessful attempts to sleep, I left my bed at 7 only to realise that I am having a severe headache.

However, I kept on telling myself that everything is alright and after B’fast, I took two Analgesics to calm down my angry brain. Reached test centre and started off with the test. All this time , I was confident and hopeful that I will be able to overcome the sleep deprivation because I have practiced this contingency during my study schedule. AWA and integrated reasoning were done in no time but the pain started developing again at the end part of IR. Anyways, took the normal break and sat for the quant.
Through out my study, I never faced any problems in quant, however, during the test, I was finding it hard to concentrate. I kept on hitting my head to remain alert and closing my eyes tightly regularly to remain focused, however, I was not at even 50 % of my best. Somehow, finished the quant with 10 mins to spare(generally I finished the practice tests with 20+ mins). By this time , I was totally drained out and the lack of sleep was riding me crazy. Moreover, verbal has traditionally been my weak area so I knew that I have to try really hard to focus. It started, but now repeatedly, I was reading a line again and again but was unable to understand the meaning. The sentences stopped enticing me and the lack of focus was badly taking my performance down. I had no option but to continue somehow and finish the test. This score has left me shattered but there are two inferences out of it esp for first timers
A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP IS A MUST. Rather, the entire long story is about this point.

AVOID TAKING ANY MEDICINES ESP ON THE TEST DAY. I did so without considering the side effects and the result is in front of you people.

Having prepared for this test so hard and for so long, I really felt dejected and defeated but then I have lost only a war, the battle is yet in progress and I hope someday I will.
All the best!