Sensory Overload - Overstimulation

Sensory overload is the overstimulation of one or more of the five body senses. Over stimulation often feels like emotional and physical discomfort. People may experience irritability, anxiety, or fear in addition to discomfort. Sensory overload can affect anyone, yet occurs more commonly in people with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sensory processing disorder, and other sensory conditions.

Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body’s five senses becomes overwhelmed. It can happen in several situations when the brain receives too much information. This can occur in a crowed restaurant, when the music is too loud, or when someone is wearing a strong perfume.

In these situations, the brain receives too much information to be able to process it properly, leading to sensory overload and feelings of discomfort that range from mild to intense.

Symptoms of sensory overload vary from person to person. Some may be more sensitive to sound, while others may have issues with textures or light.

Common symptoms include:

- Inability to ignore loud sounds, strong smells, or other types of sensory input

- A sense of discomfort

- Anxiety and fear

- Extreme sensibility to clothing or textures

- Feeling overwhelmed or agitated

- Irritability

- Loss of focus

- Restlessness

- Stress

- Insomnia

In children, the following signs can indicate sensory overload:

- Anxiety, irritability, and restless

- Avoiding specific places or situations

- Closing the eyes

- Covering the face

- Crying

- Placing hands over ears

- The inability to converse with others or connect with them

- Running away from specific places or situations

Causes of sensory overload occurs when the brain struggles to interpret, prioritize, or otherwise process sensory inputs. This sends communication to the brain, triggering the fight or flight response, telling the body to escape these sensory inputs. This fight or flight reaction creates feelings of discomfort and panic.

Helping people deal with sensory overload aims to help them plan and manage their reactions. Many people use daily interventions to help cope with sensory overload and minimize the likelihood of overwhelm.

Daily activities can include:

- Journaling or keeping a log of signs, symptoms, and triggers

- Avoiding the triggers of sensory overloads, such as loud concerts or events with flashing lights, where possible

- Asking others to help reduce sensory inputs, such as by turning down bright lights or opening a window when strong smells are present

- Identifying safe spaces to escape to when a sensory overload occurs at school, work, or other venues

- Staying near the exit when at a concert or party so that it is easy to leave if necessary

- Talk to teachers, colleagues, friends, and others about sensory overload and asking for their support in reducing sensory inputs

- Taking regular breaks to rest and get enough sleep

- Drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet