Why Is My Child Hyperactive? Common Causes Parents Should Know

Author: Oke Ikpekpe, MSc (PH)

Medical Reviewer: Nnenna Chiloli, MBBS, MPH

Highlights

• Hyperactivity means a child is unusually restless, impulsive, or highly active for their age.
• It can occur on its own or as part of conditions like ADHD.
• Genetics and brain development are the main drivers, though environment and lifestyle can influence symptoms.
• Boys are more often affected than girls, but both can show hyperactive behaviours.
• Diet, screen time, sleep, and family dynamics can make symptoms worse, though they rarely cause hyperactivity.
• Early support, structured routines, and self-regulation strategies help children manage their energy and behaviour.

INTRODUCTION

It’s 10:00 PM, and while the rest of the neighbourhood seems to have settled down, your living room feels like a whirlwind. Your child is leaping off the sofa, talking at a mile a minute, and despite your best efforts, they just can’t seem to sit still for more than thirty seconds. As a parent, you’re likely exhausted, but more than that, you’re worried and wondering: Is this just normal childhood energy, or is it something more? You might find yourself asking, “Why is my child so hyperactive?”

It is a question many parents ask at some point, and the answer is not always simple.

Hyperactivity in children is more than having a lot of energy. A child can be energetic without being hyperactive. Children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, naturally have high energy levels. Hyperactivity refers to a persistent pattern of unusually high activity, restlessness, or impulsivity that can interfere with learning and daily life. These behaviours are often excessive, difficult for the child to control, and occur more frequently than expected for their age.

Hyperactive children may struggle to sit still, stay focused, or regulate their actions, even in situations where calm behaviour is expected, such as in class, during meals, or while listening to instructions [1]. This pattern is most commonly associated with conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but is also frequently observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

It is also important to distinguish between a naturally high-energy personality and clinical hyperactivity. What sets hyperactivity apart from typical childhood activity is the intensity, frequency, and impact.Hyperactivity may become a concern when:

• The behaviour is much more intense than expected for the child’s age
• It occurs across different settings, such as home, school, or social activities
• It interferes with learning, relationships, or daily routines

In this guide, we will break down the signs of hyperactivity, explore common underlying causes that caregivers should be aware of, and help you determine when it may be time to seek professional support.

Signs of Hyperactivity

A child who may be experiencing hyperactivity can consistently show some of the following signs [1, 2]:

• Difficulty sitting still, even for short periods
• Constant movement, such as running, climbing, or jumping at inappropriate times
• Excessive talking or frequently interrupting others
• Acting impulsively without considering consequences
• Trouble focusing on tasks or following instructions
• Difficulty calming down after playing or when excited 

Possible Causes

Hyperactivity does not have a single cause. It usually develops as a result of several factors working together, including medical, genetic, behavioural, and environmental influences [3,4].

Medical and Genetic Factors

Studies show that hyperactivity is linked to how the brain develops and works, particularly in conditions such as ADHD.

• Hyperactivity and ADHD often run in families. This means a child is more likely to be hyperactive if close family members had similar traits while growing up. Genetics play a major role, accounting for about 70% of the differences in hyperactive behaviour seen among children [5].
• Some children are born with certain genes that make them more likely to be very active or impulsive. One example is a gene (Latrophilin-3 (LPHN3) gene)  that affects how the brain sends signals related to activity and attention [6] 
• Other medical conditions are also associated with hyperactivity. Conditions that affect the brain or central nervous system, as well as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), may contribute to increased restlessness and activity levels [1].
• In some children, the parts of the brain that control attention, self-control, and movement develop or work differently. This can make it harder for them to sit still or focus.
• Hyperactive behaviour has also been linked to differences in brain chemicals like dopamine. Dopamine helps control motivation, focus, and reward, and when its balance is affected, attention and activity levels can be harder to manage [7,8].

Behavioural and Emotional Factors

A child’s behaviour and emotions can contribute to or indicate hyperactivity.

• When there is a family history of mental health challenges, a child might be naturally more prone to emotional regulation issues. This essentially means they find it harder to manage their feelings, which can frequently result in restlessness or impulsive outbursts [9].
• In some cases, an underlying emotional disorder such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or trauma may even be the primary driver behind the high activity levels you’re seeing [1].
• Kids with hyperactive traits often face real behavioural challenges like struggling to pick up on social cues, follow rules, or just get along with their peers. It really shows how a child’s ability to manage emotions is linked to how they channel their energy.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

A child’s surroundings from the very start of pregnancy through their early years play a major role in how their energy levels develop.

• According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), what happens before a child is even born can influence hyperactivity; things like maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, or coming into contact with toxins like lead and pesticides are linked to higher rates of hyperactivity later on.
• The emotional state of the home, including parental mental health and the general family environment, can deeply influence a child's temperament.
• Adverse events like fetal distress, premature birth, or a low birth weight are associated with increased hyperactive risks [3].
• As the child grows, daily habits start to shape how that energy is expressed. For example, many school-aged children today spend significant time in front of screens. This high stimulation has been linked to more restless behaviour, likely because it robs the brain of the quiet moments needed to build attention control [10].
• Other factors like poor sleep, unstable daily routines, or just not getting enough time to run around outside can make symptoms feel much worse, even if they aren't the main cause.

Other Contributing Factors

Beyond the environment, there are some demographic and physical factors that influence why some children are more active than others.

• ADHD is identified in boys roughly two to three times more often than in girls, partly because boys tend to be more energetic than girls [10].
• Physical health history can also play a role; for example, the CDC notes that certain conditions, particularly head injuries, may contribute to the development of hyperactive symptoms in some children.
• Child’s personality, or temperament. Every child starts with a different baseline for activity and emotional sensitivity, which dictates how their restlessness shows up.
• While it is very rare for food to be the root cause of hyperactivity, some children genuinely react to specific additives. Artificial food colours, in particular, have been known to increase symptoms in certain sensitive kids, making an already difficult situation a bit harder to manage [6].

When to Seek Help

Diagnosing the causes of hyperactivity involves a careful evaluation, and there is no single test for it. Healthcare professionals gather information from multiple sources, such as parents, teachers, and sometimes the child, to get a complete picture and rule out other possible causes.Parents should consider seeking a professional evaluation if their child's hyperactive behaviours are:

• Persistent: Lasting for more than six months.
• Pervasive: Occurring in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or during extracurricular activities).
• Problematic: Causing clear impairment in daily life. 

This may include:

• Interfering with learning or school performance
• Causing ongoing difficulty in making or keeping friends
• Creating significant stress or disruption at home
• Not improving despite consistent routines and parental support

Important Note: Many conditions can mimic hyperactivity, including anxiety, sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea), hearing or vision problems, learning disabilities, and responses to significant stress or trauma. A professional evaluation is essential to identify the correct cause and ensure your child receives the most appropriate support.

How Parents Can Support Their Child at Home

Parents can help their child manage hyperactivity through consistent, supportive strategies:

• Maintain clear daily routines for sleep, meals, and activities
• Encourage regular physical activity to release excess energy
• Give simple, clear instructions one step at a time
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviour
• Limit screen time and ensure adequate sleep
• Work closely with teachers and caregivers to maintain consistency

Parenting a hyperactive child can be challenging, and seeking guidance or help is a sign of care and commitment, not failure.

Conclusion

Hyperactivity isn't a flaw by default. Many children are simply high-energy, and in the right environment, that spark can be a tremendous asset, keeping them alert and driven. However, when these traits become disruptive, it is important to remember that a single factor or bad parenting rarely causes hyperactivity. With understanding, early support, and appropriate strategies, parents can help children with hyperactive traits to learn how to manage their energy, improve their focus, and thrive both academically and socially.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is hyperactivity the same as ADHD? 

Not always. Hyperactivity can be a trait on its own or part of other conditions. ADHD is diagnosed when hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity significantly affect daily life at home and school.

2. Can sugar make my child hyperactive?

Sugar rarely causes hyperactivity. For a few sensitive children, sugar or artificial colours may make restlessness or inattention worse [6].

3. At what age can hyperactivity be diagnosed?

Signs may appear in preschool, but a reliable diagnosis usually occurs around 6–7 years, when school tasks highlight focus and self-control challenges.

4. Is my child’s hyperactivity caused by my parenting?

No. Hyperactivity is largely biological and genetic. Studies show that genetic factors account for approximately 71–73% of the variance in hyperactivity symptoms. Parenting helps manage symptoms but does not cause them.

5. Will my child outgrow being hyperactive?

Physical restlessness often decreases with age, but impulsivity and difficulty focusing may continue. Early support and self-regulation strategies improve long-term outcomes.

References

1. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); updated 2024 Apr 1. Hyperactivity; reviewed 2024 Apr 1; cited 2026 Jan 20. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003256.htm

2.   Rappley MD. Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jan 13;352(2):165–173. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp032387. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMcp032387

3. Thapar A, Cooper M, Jefferies R, Stergiakouli E. What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Arch Dis Child. 2012 Mar;97(3):260–265. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2011-300482. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21903599/

4. Faraone SV, Asherson P, Banaschewski T, Brandeis D, Buitelaar J, Franke B, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015 Aug 6;1:15020. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.20. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201520

5. Nikolas MA, Burt SA. Genetic and environmental influences on ADHD symptom dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. J Abnorm Psychol. 2010 Feb;119(1):1–17. doi:10.1037/a0018010. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20141238/

6. Al Johani S. An overview of the causative risk factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children. Int J Adv Res. 2021;9:15–21. doi:10.21474/IJAR01/12412. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/12412

7. Blum K, Chen AL, Braverman ER, Comings DE, Chen TJ, Arcuri V, et al. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 Oct;4(5):893–918. doi:10.2147/NDT.S2627. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2626918/

8. MacDonald HJ, et al. The dopamine hypothesis for ADHD: an evaluation of evidence accumulated from human studies and animal models. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:1492126. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1492126. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1492126/full

9. Guedria A, et al. Factors associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among Tunisian children. Front Psychiatry. 2025;16:1462099. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1462099. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1462099/full

10. Lingineni RK, Biswas S, Ahmad N, Jackson BE, Bae S, Singh KP. Factors associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder among US children: results from a national survey. BMC Pediatr. 2012 May 14;12:50. doi:10.1186/1471-2431-12-50. Available from: https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2431-12-50

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Published January 27, 2026