Hyperactivity or hypomania?

I have been doing research into bipolar because of my unstable moods (chronic depression and then shifting into a euphoric high), and apparently hyperactivity can be confused with hypomania very easily, although the characteristics of each appear (to me) to be quite distinctly different mostly.

So, could someone please help me to understand the difference between hypomania and hyperactivity? I've heard of people saying they can induce hypomania with caffeine and sleep deprivation, but whenever I have too much coffee or have too little sleep I just get hyperactive, not hypomanic (I don't think). Maybe it could be mild hypomania?

Thanks. Peace.

I don't experience a lot of hypomania. I seem to rush right into mania. But maybe others would like to share their experiences with hypomania.

Just as quietgirl said, I don't believe I have ever been hypomanic. It's just pure euphoric mania. I could give a few examples how mania and being hyperactive are nothing alike, but as far as hypomania, I can't really say since I really don't know how that feels. From what I have read about it, I could see how it would seem to be hyperactivity though.

For me, hypomania is this WOW the world is so amazing and so colorful kind of experience. Music seems richer and more meaningful, the universe seems great, I feel more spiritual. Im more talkative at work, more animated. Im productive, feel super inspired and creative, great ideas are flowing. And its all genuine. It seems to tip over into mania sometimes and everything keeps getting amped up until the energy is really really uncomfortable. Then the energy feels dark, the focus to create or be productive is lacking, the inspiration races too fast to amount to anything.

I can be hyperactive in a wired caffeinated way as well, but not always... sometimes Im just strolling down the avenue in the sun, slowly, listening to my headphones, truly enjoying things and smiling.

I'm not sure what you mean by hyperactivity per se, but if its something along the lines of what people with ADHD experience, for me the contrasts are stark. My hypomania comes with euphoria and floods of ideas that as the episode progresses become harder to get down on paper or explain aloud let alone pursue. Extra time in the quietest and most dim-lit of classrooms wouldn't help me get through an exam. My brain resembles mush and she won't slow down. From what my friends with ADHD say it seems like their hyperactivity doesn't function as an incline unless its stress induced or circumstantial.