light sensitivity and sound sensitivity at night for sleep

[Gonnagetgoing]

I've had both since my very late 20s onwards but got worse in 30s/40's.

I prefer black out curtains and extra noise isn't great either.

When I was in my 20s and teens and as a child I didn't seem to suffer from this at all. What causes it? Or is it just something I have.

I don't always get it either - if I'm very relaxed I am not affected.

I have mild autism traits and always wear ear plugs and a dark sheet pegged over the curtains if too bright. Or wear an eye shield in the summer months.

Stress or anxiety can make your senses more heightened.

A small fan on low does a good job of covering up random noises - doesn’t need to be pointing at you (but that’s a bonus in hot weather, esp if you have the window open!)

And I’ve definitely got worse with age - in my 20s I once slept through the controlled explosion of a suspicious package outside a hotel I was staying in (it was a couple of floors down but still, the window was facing the street and I was supposed to have evacuated )

@Lightning020

I have mild autism traits and always wear ear plugs and a dark sheet pegged over the curtains if too bright. Or wear an eye shield in the summer months.

@Lightning020 - I've always wondered about mild autism and doctors tests have come back with negative.

Funnily enough close relative with 2 young DC uses an eye mask now at home and she's moved from Hackney to Bath countryside.

@CorrBlimeyGG

Stress or anxiety can make your senses more heightened.

@CorrBlimeyGG - definitely does - plus I'm peri/menopausal so that doesn't help either!

I think it gets worse as you get older.I sleep with all windows closed now, and no one dares to wake me up !

@GiantKitten

And I’ve definitely got worse with age - in my 20s I once slept through the controlled explosion of a suspicious package outside a hotel I was staying in (it was a couple of floors down but still, the window was facing the street and I was supposed to have evacuated )

@GiantKitten - thanks re the fan!

I could literally sleep through bombs etc as a teen/20s too! Just not now .

@GeneLovesJezebel

I think it gets worse as you get older.I sleep with all windows closed now, and no one dares to wake me up !

@GeneLovesJezebel - grumpy older woman syndrome eh?! I swore I'd never be like this LOL