Hypervigilance is more related to anxiety. It's over worrying about what's going on, usually on the outside... making sure your immediate environment is safe. Constantly watching out the window, checking things over and over to make sure you are safe... this state causes sensitivity to your surroundings.

I get it to smells sometimes that I only smell. I also get it with loud music in the car. I tend to listen to soft rock and my daughter likes the thumping kind at times. Sometimes my scalp is hyper-sensitive. I should have known I would have a migraine today because my scalp was so sensitive yesterday. I have found that Head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner once a week helps it stay calmer when the nerves bother it. i asked my physician about this issue and she told me it is because the brain cannot send and read the signals and misfires and then our senses are overloaded and react to sounds, light, foods, etc. It is frustrating. I know that taking Cymbalta has helped me a lot....so I do not overreact as often. I know there are plenty of issues that can bring this on with others. I know that people who have hearing issues, Autism, and anxiety for examples experience this at extremes sometimes. I used to have a real problem with emergency vehicles as a child I would scream. They still bother me, but not as much. Take care.

Yes, I'm highly sensitive to everything!
Everything bothers me. There are highly sensitive people that deal w this. You may think I'm crazy but look up info in empaths. I won't go into it but I know I'm one. I have found nothing that helps. I stay in my house alone most of the time- not a very pleasant or good way to live but that's the way it is. Hope this helps....

All my senses seem to be sensitive. Light hurts my eyes, can't stand (what I think is) loud sounds. I think people are talking too loud. My ears hurt. I can't handle crowds. I also hear things others don't. Like the power lines buzzing! Some times I think I'm losing my mind.

Oh yes, sounds, smells, light, weather and even my emotions are closer to the surface then ever before.