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3. All Senses Are Uncomfortably Heightened
Fibromyalgia leaves you more sensitive to the pain in your muscles, but you may feel other discomforts more intensely, too. Allodynia refers to a heightened sensitivity to touch, and can make you recoil painfully from a simple handshake or a light pat on the back. Changes in certain neurotransmitters and light nerve damage are likely to blame for this, but allodynia can worsen with poor sleep quality. A related problem is sensitivity to light and smell, especially strong or artificial fragrance: fibromyalgia makes it difficult for your mind to sort through all the sensory input that’s constantly swarming your body, and that can impact each sense to some degree.
It’s difficult to know how your symptoms will change from day to day. However, many sufferers will experience the following common types of discomfort.