Vicki Doe Fitness

  • Resources
  • Events
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
  • Your Profile
  • Cart
  • Home
    • Who We Are
    • Our Company
    • Services
    • Our Team
  • Blog
  • Train
    • VDF Academy
    • Bootcamp
    • Coach App
  • Podcast
    • About the Show
    • Vicki Haywood Doe, PhD, ACSM-EP
    • Virginia Dee Banks, MD,MBA
  • Multimedia
    • VDF Exercise Tips
    • Podcast
    • Healthy TV
    • Healthy Kitchen TV
    • Healthy News
  • The Experts
  • Contact
  • Vicki Doe Fitness STORE
  • Join
  • Login
  • Your Profile
  • Cart

Want the inside scoop? Join our community. Stay connected

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Sugar, ADHD, and trouble with Sleep?

May 17, 2021 by Vicki Doe

By Gabe Sanders Ph.D., NSCA-CSCS

Sugar is commonly linked to hyperactivity in kids. Sugar is also linked to diabetes and unhealthy lifestyles in adults. Sugar is a sweet-tasting molecule that is abundantly found in almost every processed food we eat. Excessive sugar in the diet can result in a “sugar crash” which negatively effects energy, cognitive function, and for adults, it can disrupt daily productivity. On the other hand, too much sugar can prevent you from falling asleep, especially if you eat it right before bed.

 How bad is sugar and should I eat it, ever?

While the immediate answer is complex, recent research suggests that high levels of sugar are linked to a higher prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other research suggests that greater sugar intake is correlated to increase body weight and even diabetes. On the contrary, there is research to suggests that sugar does not link to ADHD, diabetes, or body composition changes at all. As a consumer, it is difficult to know what the research really suggests and because of the contradictory evidence, one must learn to decipher what the majority of research is highlighting.

What’s the science?

For starters, sugar increase blood hormone levels of insulin and other hormones. Insulin is a hormone that many scientists call the “fat-storage hormone” because it will store calories from sugar as fat. Scientifically, if most sugar is not burnt as fuel during activity or exercise, it will be stored as fat while some may be excreted in your urine or stool. Your brain needs sugar (glucose) to function properly.

However, excessive sugar can result in a drug-like effect and leave your craving more. Excessive sugar intake can then act as a stimulant in the brain because you crave more, it’s like a drug addict searching for their next high!

Too much sugar can make you jittery, uncomfortable, and when it wears off you feel tired. If you try to sleep, it may not be possible!  A healthy amount of research has found that sugar is linked to insomnia and poor sleep.

In conclusion, some sugar (<50 grams per day) may be a good amount to fuel your body and your brain. If you have trouble sleeping, perhaps cut back or eliminate sugar from your diet, especially at night.

Lastly, it is important to know that some sugar from fruits and natural foods is healthy for you in moderation. To combat any type of sugar overload, the best thing to do is exercise!

 

Article’s Sources

Fischer, Emily. The Effect of College Student's Perceptions of the Relationship between Sugar and Hyperactivity. Diss. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 2019.

Del-Ponte, Bianca, et al. “Sugar consumption and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a birth cohort study.” Journal of affective disorders 243 (2019): 290-296.

Gangwisch, James E., et al. “High glycemic index and glycemic load diets as risk factors for insomnia: analyses from the Women's Health Initiative.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 111.2 (2020): 429-439.

 

 

Stop depending on willpower and motivation alone to help you lose those stubborn pounds.

Instead, enroll in our Vicki Doe Fitness-Step by Step Weight Loss Bootcamp Masterclass an online 12-week comprehensive weight loss program that embraces the holistic approach to sustainable healthy lifestyle habits for weight loss and long-lasting transformation- Sign up below!

Vicki Doe Fitness-Step by Step Weight Loss Bootcamp Masterclass

 

Need relaxation and stress relief?  Try Yoga!

YogaDownload is the premier online destination for downloading/streaming online yoga, meditation, pilates, barre, and fitness classes. Online since 2009, they offer 1,700+ classes taught by professional instructors, including world-renowned yoga teachers the likes of Anna Forrest.

Join YogaDownload.com

 

 

Are you wearing Reebok?

Reebok is an American-inspired, global brand that creates and markets sports and lifestyle products built upon a strong heritage and authenticity in sports, fitness, and women’s categories

Shop Women’s Sale Items at Reebok

Reebok is for women, men, and kids….. It’s a family affair!

Shop Men’s Sale Items at Reebok

 

Try Polar!

For a reliable and accurate product, Polar is it! This is a fitness tracker device that is awesome!

Polar M430 Advanced Running Watch with Wrist-based Heart Rate and GPS. Shop Now

 

Go to our Resources page-   For the most recommended tools, you need to succeed on your healthy living journey!!

 

Listen and share our podcast show- “It’s All About Health & Fitness-” Vicki Doe Fitness

Subscribe to Apple Podcast

Subscribe on Stitcher

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Related

© Copyright 2014-2024 Vicki Doe Fitness · Haywood Doe Consulting Co.,LLC· DBA Vicki Doe Fitness· All Rights Reserved

Filed Under: Food and Nutrition Tagged With: ADHD adults, cognitive function, excessive sugar, fruits, Gabe Sanders PhD, healthy diet, insomnia, kids, productivity, research, sleep habits, sugar, Vicki Doe Fitness

  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

Check out our Vicki Doe Fitness STORE

Screenshot

FREE Download- Herbs and Spices Cheatsheet

20 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Under 15 mins.

Train

Events

Year-2025

May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Apr    

Get in touch. Leave a message.

VDF Podcast-Archives

“It’s All About Health & Fitness” Podcast-Apple Podcast

“It’s All About Health & Fitness” Podcast-TuneIn

“It’s All About Health & Fitness”- Podcast-Pandora

“It’s All About Health & Fitness” Podcast-Stitcher

Listen to Stitcher

“It’s All About Health & Fitness’ Podcast-Spotify

Premium Podcast Member-Members Only

Latest VDF Exercise Tips

Hypertension: Cardio endurance exercises

Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercises

Diabetes: Cardio exercises

VIEW Most Trusted Resources

Resources for Healthy Living!

Check out ShareASale

Check out Yoga Download.com

Check out Layla Sleep Inc

Check out Just Natural Products

Check out The Wright Stuff-Home Health Care Products

WrightStuff.biz

Check out MHR Brands

CBD for skin

Check out AliveCor.com

Shop AliveCor.com

Check out Triathlete Sports

Check out-ECO Friendly Lunchbox.com

Check out Heartsmart.com

Check out myLabBox, Inc.

Check out AliveCor

Check out YogaDownload.com

Check out Art of Tea

Check out Filtered Water-The Water Store

Drink Responsibly, Filter Water NOw

Check out Triathlete Sports

Check out Layla Sleep Inc.

Check out FilterWater.com The Water Store

Drink Responsibly. Water Filters

Check out Heartsmart.com

Check out Yoga Download.com

Check out Art of Tea

Our M?nuka honey is 100% pure, sourced directly from New Zealand with an MGO 550+ rating.

Check out myLab Box, Inc.

Check out ECO Friendly Lunchbox.com

We've updated the Spring Guide and ECOlunchbox is highlighted :)

Check out The Wright Stuff- Home Health Care Products

ArthritisSupplies.com

Check out Just Natural Products

Check out MHR Brands

Check out ShareASale

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Home· VDFpodcast· VDF.TV· Subscribe · Support ·About us· Contact us

 

© Copyright 2024 Vicki Doe Fitness · Haywood Doe Consulting Co.,LLC· DBA Vicki Doe Fitness· All Rights Reserved

· Terms of Service and Privacy Guidelines·

Consult with a physician or medical healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. The material on the Vicki Doe Fitness website is for informational purposes only.