You wouldn’t be wrong if you noticed your nervous system felt a bit calmer after your early morning visit to Walmart.

In November the chain introduced a test run of sensory-friendly hours from 8-10 a.m. on Saturdays in all of its U.S. locations. After receiving positive feedback, the retailer decided to make the change permanent and expanded it to 8-10 a.m. daily.

“We took a step in making shopping in our stores more inclusive for those with sensory disabilities by taking measures to create a less stimulating environment,” the chain wrote in a press release on its website.

Stores turned off Walmart radio, which is a specific brand that plays throughout the store; dimmed the lights by 50%; and changed the TVs in the electronics department to a static image instead of playing commercials and movies. It’s all done as a way to help remove distractions and not overwhelm shoppers.

Taylor Spalloni, an assistant manager at Walmart’s 8250 Razorback Road location in Colorado Springs, works overnights but has heard customers are pleased.

“Some are excited for the change,” she said. “It made a world of difference if they have a sensory disability or they have a parent or caretake for someone who does.”

Sensory processing disorders can be found in people with autism, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

At least one in 20 people might be affected by Sensory Processing Disorder, reports STAR Institute, a Centennial-based research center for SPD.

Other sensory-friendly options around town include Chuck E. Cheese’s Sensory Sensitive Sundays. The 2925 Geyser Drive location offers reduced lighting and noise from 9-11 a.m. on the first Sundays of the month.

Pikes Peak Library District’s East Library offers Sensory Storytime for kids with sensory challenges or are on the autism spectrum. The next one is April 20. Registration is required. Go online to ppld.org.

Air City 360 Adventure Park has a Families with Special Needs Night on Mondays from 3-8 p.m. Mondays.

“Walmart tries to be a store of the community and in order to do that you have to understand the community,” Spalloni said. “It feels like such a simple thing, but to those who have a sensory disability or are a parent or a caretaker of one who does, it makes a such a difference for them.”

Contact the writer: 636-0270