When Socks Feel Like Sandpaper: Reversing Sensory Overwhelm

When a child reacts intensely to everyday sensations, like the seams on a sock or the hum of a light, it is not simply “picky” behaviour. These reactions often stem from an overwhelmed and inflamed nervous system. What’s particularly striking is that these sensory symptoms can fluctuate — one day a child might tolerate their clothes, and the next they cannot bear them. That tells us something crucial: sensory responses are not fixed. They can change. And that means they can improve.

Two Brain Systems at the Centre of Sensory Overload

At the heart of sensory processing are two important brain areas:

The Reticular Activating System (RAS), which acts like a bouncer for the brain, regulating the flow of sensory information to prevent overload.

The Limbic System, our emotional processing hub, which governs anxiety, mood, and behaviour.

When these systems are out of balance, children may experience extreme reactions to sound, touch, light, or movement.

Why Sensory Symptoms Fluctuate

What fascinates me is how inconsistent these responses can be. That inconsistency suggests the issue isn’t necessarily a hard-wired brain difference, but rather a brain reacting differently based on internal factors — inflammation, toxins, viral activity, mineral imbalances, or mitochondrial stress. In other words, this is often about how the brain is functioning, not that it is broken.

How the Sensory System Develops — and Why It Can Go Off Track

0–3 months: Sensory development begins with touch, relying on slow-conducting pathways (like old dial-up internet). This process depends on proper myelination, which insulates nerves.

3–12 months: The visual system ramps up and needs faster “broadband” myelination.

12–36 months: The vestibular system (balance and spatial awareness) becomes dominant as the child moves more. It’s especially vulnerable to environmental disruption at this stage.

Many children with sensory issues show signs of regression in this period, which is not coincidental.

What Disrupts Sensory Development?

Genetics play a small role. More commonly, we see:

Environmental toxins (such as lead, mercury, arsenic, PCBs)

Viral infections, including those that may be passed on in utero

Mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing the brain’s ability to generate energy

Mineral imbalances caused by heavy metals or poor absorption

Poor detoxification, often due to inadequate nutrition or impaired sulphation

Each of these can interrupt the myelination process and create inflammation in the nervous system.

Can It Be Reversed?

Sensory integration issues may not be permanent. Here’s where we start:

Support the Adrenal System

The adrenal glands play a vital role in helping the body respond to stress. When a child is in a constant fight-or-flight state, sensory issues often worsen. Supporting the adrenals through rest, nutrient-rich food (especially protein and salt), and gentle rhythms can make a huge difference.

Reduce Toxic Load

Clean up the diet and environment.

Support detox pathways with sulphation (e.g. Epsom salt baths), glutathione, and liver-supportive herbs.

Balance minerals.

Address Viral Load

Test for and target persistent neurotropic viruses (like EBV, HHV-6, CMV).

Understand that some infections may be congenital.

Calm Immune Hyperactivation

Identify and manage chronic infections (fungal, bacterial, allergic).

Investigate food intolerances — common culprits include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and eggs.

Support Mitochondria

Children may have subclinical mitochondrial stress requiring targeted support.

Prioritise Sleep

Deep sleep promotes myelin repair.

Melatonin, when appropriate, may support antioxidant protection and restorative rest.

Rebuild Nutritional Foundations

Focus on DHA, choline, phosphatidylserine, B vitamins, vitamin D3

Correct mineral imbalances carefully

Magnesium, sodium, potassium,  zinc, iron, copper, trace minerals and lithium all play key roles.

Encourage Movement and Connection

Physical activity and social interaction help the brain form new patterns and strengthen sensory integration.

Final Thoughts

This is not a quick fix. Every child is different. But with the right interventions, many children show significant improvements. In some cases, those unbearable socks become tolerable. In others, they are no longer even noticed.

That is not just regulation. That is relief — for the child and the whole family.