High Stress cause of sensory probs?

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I'm having a few issues at the moment with continuous tension and general anxiety. I was wondering if a heightened state could be the root cause of sensory problems, could the sensitivity to light be linked to raised levels of adrenalin. A person in flight/fright mode must be highly tuned to loud sounds, light etc

I'm extremely jumpy any ideas on how to relax?

Beer. Unfortunately for me, I got a high BP diagnosis which means I have to cut back significantly on the alcohol intake. I'm really starting to wonder if that is stress related, though, because when I do relax (very rare) I seem to crash pretty heavily to a point where my BP seems low.

I have found that both stress and tiredness double, even triple the impact of my sensory issues and I become a great deal more irritable and aggressive in response to certain noises.

Agreed. I'm NT, but I have a sleep disorder, and pre-treatment (i.e. when I was dealing with 15 years of sleep deprivation) I had serious sensory issues, particularly with places that were large and full of brightly-colored and/or fast-moving objects, places that were full of people talking in close proximity to me, and light touches on my hands. Going to the grocery store when it was crowded was enough to bring me to tears.

Now that I'm getting treatment, and therefore getting good sleep, my sensory issues have mostly disappeared.

Stress impacts on my senses. Also in the morning I'm particularly sensitive to noise waking up.


Well you’re not going to relax unless you take some time out. Though you can get prescribed beta blockers. I wouldn't take tranquilizers long term as they are very addictive. You can do Jacobson Progressive Muscular Technique


I have used some mindfulness meditation. I'm not spiritual in fact I'm an atheist but there is some scientific reasons why it works. It pretty good actually. It gets you to focus intensely on a limited amount of things like a sensation on a particular part of the body, and breathing so by doing so you can’t focus on anxiety. I have some audios if you want them. I have only done one of them so far. The only bit I don't like is the chimes at the beginning and end but I can remove them.

Heightened senses produce stress, stress heightens the senses..... A vicious circle that can get nastier if
you try to medicate yourself with alcohol or barbiturates. Getting out of the hostile environment and exercise
help somewhat.

Absolutely 100% agree. My husband and I both notice increased sensory issues when sleep-deprived or stressed. Exercise helps us both, adequate sleep is perhaps best of all.

And yet, that's the thing that the universe seems to want you to get the least of, right?

yes I think sleep deprivation is the cause of some of this, I have a sleep problem too!

lager works in the short term but can leave me feeling more nervy, exercise is a good one.

Me too. When I'm under stress, I'm a lot more sensitive to stimuli. Noise bothers me a lot more when I'm generally stressed out or tired than when I'm more relaxed.

Stress and sleep deprivation are obvious factors to the level of sensory input I can handle. When I am stressed, I can not handle a lot of sensory input. Same when I am tired. My daughter is the same way.

Yes, I believe that stress can cause one's senses to attune more acutely for any signs of "danger". Also, that having more sensitive (different threshold) "senses" can in itself cause stress. Can be tough sorting out which came first, which caused which or if they were simultaneous.
As others have noted: lack of sleep makes things 10x worse, that's for sure (in my experience).
Can't give advice because each person's context differs. Am not so skilled at doing this myself when I really need to ASAP, can't "make myself" change moods. As others have said, doing something physical (which specific example appeals to each person will differ) to drain or use up the adrenaline is basic suggestion. Either that or trying to "turn the dial back down" through intensive calming methods such as meditation or deep (slow) breathing.
I hate exercise, so that's not an option for me-am disinclined to visualize in any controlled, focused way so intentional calming isn't something I can stand, either. Dislike taking pills, but every once in a while I take an Ativan before a particular event that I'm committed to attending. Dunno' if it 'works' but it's not something I try often. Day to day, I do things like watch tv, watch my cat (which can be pleasant distraction), read & write, or wash dishes. My lifestyle is relaxing overall compared to that of other people, since I'm no longer in school & can't/don't work. Voluntary social situations & involuntary medical obligations are sufficiently challenging & stressful for me.