Presented by BetterHelp.
The majority of kids can sit still for more than a few minutes at a time, while others can’t stop moving. Most of the time, they’re fidgeting, leaping, bouncing, and even climbing up and down the walls from their seats. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be mistakenly linked to a child’s high energy level by some. In addition, a child could be hyperactive for other reasons.
Let’s look at some of the causes of hyperactivity that aren’t necessarily linked to ADHD.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
When youngsters are fatigued, they frequently become hyperactive rather than sluggish like adults do. A sleepy kid may be more vivacious than ever, whether it’s due to a missed nap or a late night. A child’s body produces extra cortisol and adrenaline to help them stay awake when they don’t get enough sleep. That means greater energy for them.
Make sure that your child is receiving enough rest. Speak to your pediatrician if you’re having trouble making sure your child gets adequate sleep.
Exercising Too Little
We expect active and spirited children. They won’t be able to sit still if they don’t get enough activity. Sadly, some children who are overly active at school are penalized by removing their recess privileges.
Hyperactivity is exacerbated when a child is unable to engage in normal childhood activities like running about and playing.
Make it a point to get your child moving throughout the day. There are several activities that might help your child use their energy in a positive way, such as playing on playgrounds, biking, and jogging.
Health Conditions
Hyperactivity can be caused by a variety of medical ailments. It is possible to have a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety and hyperactivity, due to an overactive thyroid. Genetic factors may also play a role in increasing activity.
Consult your kid’s doctor about any symptoms your child is experiencing. Having a thorough list of your concerns on hand will assist a doctor in determining the root cause of your symptoms.
Issues With Mental Health
In children, emotional problems might be mistaken for behavioral abnormalities. An anxious child may have a hard time staying stationary. Or a person who has been traumatized by a frightening occurrence may be unable to pay attention in class.
If you have any reason to believe that your child’s hyperactivity is the result of an emotional problem, you should seek help. Visit BetterHelp to learn more about how mental health conditions can affect children’s behavior, and how parents can be supportive to them.
Stressful Life Events
Stressful life events can cause kids to feel agitated and irritable, regardless of how long they last. The arrival of a new child or the relocation to a nicer area can all be stressful events for a child.
Don’t assume that your child will be unaffected by your personal or professional difficulties before you consider this possibility. Children may sense their parents’ anxiety and internalize it. There’s a significant likelihood that if you’re stressed out, your child is too.
Maintain a steady and predictable routine for your child. Give your child extra comfort and support if you’re going through a hard time in your life.
The Right Time To See A Physician
Consult your child’s doctor if you suspect he or she has symptoms of ADHD. It’s crucial to get a medical examination first before seeing a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist, or a pediatric neurologist.