We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.
X

Does Sugar Really Make Kids Hyper?

Piles of candy in bowls sit on a black table.
DenisMArt/Shutterstock.com

Parents, we know you might be dreading the amount of candy your children will be stockpiling soon with Halloween quickly approaching. Maybe your kiddos catch a sugar rush and bounce off the walls with excitement.

But does sugar make kids hyper? As it turns out, no.

There is no scientific link between sugar and hyperactivity in children. In fact, the main reason why parents believe this is because the myth heightens their awareness of their kids’ behavior after sugar intake. Research suggests that parents who believe sugar makes children rowdy are more likely to perceive their children as hyper when they consume it.

01 Things For Kids To Do Outside

Take that hyper kid outside to get some energy out.

It kind of makes sense, right? Sugary sweets are often the main attraction during exciting events like holidays and parties, and kids are already excitable then. Their hyperactivity is most likely because of the excitement surrounding the fun, not the sugar.

While parental observations are vital in ensuring your children are healthy, there are many other factors to consider when your child becomes hyperactive—and they probably don’t have anything to do with that ice cream they had after dinner.

If you really do believe there is a link between sugar and your kid’s hyperactivity, you should definitely consult with your child’s doctor.

So while your children are working hard to collect popular Halloween candy, and they seem extra hyper snacking on that Kit Kat bar, chances are they are just excited about the holiday—not because of the sugar.

Lindsay Ray Lindsay Ray
Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. From beauty hacks to DIY home décor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on one thing: making your life outside of work even better. Want to know more?