The diagnosis “hyperactive” is quickly made – but what does it mean? It’s a daily struggle for many parents: the child’s energy seems boundless, concentration fleeting, and at times this energy erupts in the form of tantrums. Hyperactivity is often visible, especially in children with ADHD, and can be challenging for those around them. But instead of stigmatizing the lively energy and joy of movement of neurodivergent people as a problem, it is worth examining the biological causes and the positive effects of movement – even in adults.
Blood sugar levels and the effect on mood and energy
Blood sugar levels are a significant factor in hyperactivity and mood swings in ADHD. The energy that enters the body through food in the form of glucose affects how balanced or “jittery” we feel. Particularly unstable blood sugar levels can intensify ADHD symptoms: a sudden increase caused by sugar-rich food causes a rapid but short-lived energy explosion. As soon as the blood sugar level then drops abruptly, the child feels exhausted, irritable or even angry.
Refined sugars are the biggest enemy here: they cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket, followed by a rapid crash that leaves the brain in a state of energy deficiency. The result? Hyperactivity and moodiness.
Hyperactivity due to blood sugar instability
Many parents see their children’s hyperactivity as behavior they want to “turn off”. But the cause is often in the diet. Children with ADHD often show extreme mood swings and impulsive reactions after consuming sugar – a direct result of falling blood sugar levels, which cause the brain to crave quick energy. This can be misinterpreted as a “hyperactivity symptom”, when it is merely a reaction to unstable blood sugar.
Expert Tip: Try replacing sugars and fast carbohydrates with slow-digesting alternatives like whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. These will keep blood sugar levels more even and may help reduce hyperactivity and mood swings in children.
Who determines what is “too much movement”?
One often-overlooked aspect of hyperactivity is the social stigma. Why is it considered “abnormal” for a child or adult to be constantly moving? Who decided that an urge to move is “too much”? Most neurotypicals cannot imagine that for many people with ADHD, movement is a necessary basis for concentration.
Movement as a prerequisite for focus and self-regulation
People with ADHD benefit from movement – for them it is a way to regulate energy and center themselves. When a child moves around in class or an adult walks back and forth in the workplace, it may seem irritating to outsiders. But for the ADHDers, this is precisely the bridge to a stable focus. Movement increases dopamine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is often present in lower quantities in ADHD and plays a crucial role in motivation and concentration. (The frontal lobe is responsible for controlling attention and concentration. The more dopamine released in the frontal lobe, the better we can concentrate. Physical activity is one of the factors that can help us to increase dopamine in the frontal lobe.
A real-life example: A 10-year-old boy with ADHD is supposed to do his homework. Instead of sitting still, he jumps up and down on an exercise ball. His teacher shakes her head, but his mother knows that without this movement he won’t be able to concentrate on his work at all.
Pathological restlessness: blood sugar and trauma as triggers
However, there is also a form of hyperactivity that is not caused by ADHD itself, but by other physical or mental conditions. A “pathological” form of constant jumping or fidgeting can be caused by blood sugar problems or even trauma, because the nervous system is so dysregulated that it can never rest in calmness.
Blood sugar problems as a cause of restlessness
When blood sugar levels fluctuate constantly, the body cannot come to rest. This often manifests itself in extreme restlessness and aggression, especially after eating sugar. Children who never come to rest and have not been diagnosed with ADHD may instead suffer from a nutritional problem. Unstable blood sugar keeps the nervous system on high alert, causing restlessness and making emotional regulation more difficult.
Note: If a child is frequently irritable or aggressive for no apparent reason, it may be helpful to consider blood sugar levels as a possible underlying cause and to switch to a low-sugar diet.
Trauma and an inability to “wind down”
For some people with ADHD, hyperactivity is not just a matter of focus or sugar, but a reaction to unresolved trauma. Trauma can keep the nervous system in a state of chronic tension—the body is constantly in “flight or fight mode”. These individuals often cannot sit still even in quiet moments because their bodies are reacting to a danger that is long gone.
Finding balance: understanding hyperactivity as a strength
Instead of pathologizing hyperactivity and seeing the urge to move as a problem, a different approach could work wonders. For people with ADHD, movement is not a “vice”, but a biological necessity. Movement enables a balance between tension and relaxation and gives those affected the ability to focus on things.
Conclusion: from energy to resource
Hyperactivity does not have to be the enemy. If you recognize the reasons for the high energy – be it movement as a regulator for attention, unstable blood sugar or a trauma reaction – you can find ways to understand the symptoms and deal with them constructively. Movement can be a valuable strategy for self-regulation, and those who allow themselves to do so will find that hyperactivity has potential that can be used.
Sources:
- German Federal Ministry of Health on ADHD: Bundesgesundheitsministerium.de
- MSD Manual on ADHD: [msdmanuals.com]
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