Home
Blog

Why Summer Overstimulation is a Nervous System Issue (Not a Behavior Problem)

Dr. Jordan Dieterle
June 6, 2025
These children receive nervous system based chiropractic adjustment to help calm their overstimulation.

Summer Fun Can Be Too Much for Some Kids

Summer brings all the things kids love—more playtime, travel, pool days, late nights, and sugary treats. But for many families, it also brings a noticeable uptick in tantrums, meltdowns, sleep issues, and sensory struggles.

And as a parent, it’s easy to wonder:

“Why does fun seem to make things harder for my child?”

The answer often lies in the nervous system.

The Role of the Nervous System in Regulation

Your child’s nervous system is the command center for everything: behavior, sleep, digestion, focus, and emotional regulation. When that system is stuck in a stressed or overstimulated state—also known as fight-or-flight—it can’t properly regulate these vital functions.

That means your child may:

  • React more emotionally to transitions
  • Struggle to settle for sleep
  • Be hypersensitive to noise, lights, or crowds
  • Have bigger meltdowns over small things
  • Crave constant stimulation (screens, movement, sugar)

This isn’t about “bad behavior.” It’s a brain-body connection issue. Their nervous system isn’t balanced—and it’s trying to adapt the best it can.

Why Summer Makes This Worse

In the summer, routines shift.

  • Bedtimes get later.
  • Screens and sweets sneak in more often.
  • Stimulation increases (camps, parties, travel).

For a child with an already stressed nervous system, these changes can tip them into full-on dysregulation.

At Pinnacle, we often hear things like:

“My child was doing okay during the school year, but summer has been a disaster.”

That’s not coincidence. That’s neurology.

How Pediatric Chiropractic Can Help

At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we don’t treat behavior—we assess and support the nervous system. We use state-of-the-art INSiGHT™ scans to see exactly how much stress and tension your child’s nervous system is holding.

Then, through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments tailored to your child’s age and development, we help shift their nervous system from fight-or-flight to a state of rest, regulation, and growth.

Families often report:

  • Calmer moods
  • More flexibility with transitions
  • Better sleep (even during vacations!)
  • Fewer meltdowns after busy outings

Let’s Help Your Child Thrive This Summer

Summer should be a time for connection and play—not constant dysregulation. If your child is struggling more than usual, don’t write it off as “just a phase.”

Their nervous system might be asking for help.

We’d love to support your family with answers, insight, and care. Let’s make this summer a season of peace and progress.

📍 Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help.

Looking for a Pediatric or Prenatal Chiropractor Near You?

Visit www.pdcnearme.com to find someone in your area?

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Reviews

Patient Stories: Discover Reviews by Satisfied Chiropractic Patients

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Pinnacle.

Insights + Tips

Discover the Natural Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Learn about the benefits and get latest in chiropractic care.

Pediatric chiropractor examining a child’s spine for scoliosis signs.

What Are Signs of Scoliosis in Kids?

Learn the early signs of scoliosis in children, why early detection matters, and how chiropractic care supports spinal health and nervous system function in growing kids.
Read Article
Pinnacle Chiropractic serves families in the Manatee and Sarasota counties with nervous system based chiropractic care.

Back-to-School Health: The 4 Pillars Every Family Needs to Know

Learn the 4 key pillars of back-to-school health—sleep, play, nutrition, and nervous system care—and how they impact your child’s immunity, focus, digestion, and emotional well-being.
Read Article
Natural electrolytes for kids like ReLyte and LMNT shown with healthy hydration tools

Best Electrolytes for Kids: Supporting Hydration, Focus & Immunity Naturally

Discover the best electrolytes for kids that support hydration, focus, and immunity—especially for neurodivergent children. Learn how ReLyte and LMNT help growing bodies thrive.
Read Article
Pediatric chiropractor helping a child improve balance and coordination through nervous system-based care

Chiropractic Care for Balance and Coordination in Children

Learn how nervous system-based chiropractic care helps children with balance and coordination issues by addressing neurological dysfunction at the root.
Read Article
Contact Us

Visit Our Office

Contact us for expert chiropractic care in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton, FL.

A woman holding a baby with a pink flower on her shirt.
A woman with long hair and a polka dot shirt.
A man is holding a young boy on his shoulders.

Address

Pinnacle Chiropractic
7984 Cooper Creek Blvd., Suite #104
University Park, FL 34201
Open in Google Maps