How can I tell if my child is not getting enough sleep?

Children do not always appear sleepy when overtired. Some become irritable, emotional, impulsive or unusually hyperactive. Other signs include difficulty waking, falling asleep during car rides, poor concentration, declining school performance and sleeping much longer on weekends. Younger children may have more tantrums or become clumsy, while older children may complain of headaches, low motivation or trouble remembering things. A child who needs repeated alarms or regularly falls asleep within minutes of getting into a vehicle may be carrying a sleep deficit. Try moving bedtime earlier and keeping the schedule consistent for one or two weeks. If symptoms continue despite sufficient time in bed, or your child snores loudly or pauses while breathing, consult a pediatrician.