what is hyper vigilant

Hypervigilance is a state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to ones surroundings. It is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . People with hypervigilance may become preoccupied with scanning their environment for possible threats and may overreact to loud or unexpected noises. They may also have difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Hypervigilance can lead to obsessive behavior patterns and difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Physical symptoms of hypervigilance may include sweating, a fast heart rate, and fast, shallow breathing, which resemble those of anxiety. Hypervigilance can have a negative effect on one's life and can encourage paranoia. It is not a diagnosis on its own, but rather a symptom that is part of a set of other symptoms.