1. the state or quality of being excessively alert or vigilant; heightened watchfulness beyond what is necessary or healthy
Usage: often used in psychological or medical contexts to describe anxiety-related hypervigilance

Examples

• The soldier's overalertness after returning from deployment made it difficult for him to relax at home.
• Her overalertness to potential dangers kept her from enjoying the vacation.
• Chronic stress can lead to overalertness, where the nervous system remains in a constant state of readiness.
• The therapist helped him recognize that his overalertness was a symptom of anxiety disorder.
• Children who have experienced trauma sometimes develop overalertness as a protective mechanism.