Is Your Child Overtired? Signs, Causes, and Sleep Solutions for Better Bedtimes

Here’s the truth: it’s NOT because your child is “being bad,” and you definitely don’t have a “defective” child. If you’re scratching your head wondering what’s going on, consider this: could your child be overtired?

While there are many reasons bedtime can be a challenge, one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes is overtiredness—something I’ve experienced firsthand as a parent and witness often as a sleep consultant.

When children are overtired, their bodies produce more stress hormones, making it even harder for them to wind down. So what should you look for?

For infants, signs of overtiredness may include:

• Excessive yawning

• Rubbing of the eyes or ears

• Losing interest in feeding

• Trouble soothing or settling down

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Crying more than usual

For toddlers, overtiredness can look a little different, such as:

• Being extra clingy

• Having a hard time focusing or paying attention

• Struggling to regulate their emotions

• Mood swings or tantrums

• Hyperactivity (yes, overtired kids can seem more energetic!)

• Being more clumsy than usual

Think back over your child’s day:

• Did your baby only take one short nap at daycare instead of their usual two?

• Did your toddler skip their nap, even though they normally need one?

• Was your child waking up multiple times overnight or starting their day much earlier than usual?

If any of this sounds familiar, overtiredness could be to blame.

How Much Sleep Does Your Child Actually Need?

If you’re unsure how much sleep your child needs in a 24-hour period or how many naps they should be taking, I’m here to help. Request my Top 3 Sleep Tips (tailored for both Newborns–1 Year and Toddlers–School Age). Inside, you’ll find a Sleep Chart with recommendations for the number of naps and total sleep hours for children ages 3 months to 3 years. 

Most of the time, a simple tweak to your schedule—like moving bedtime earlier—can have a huge impact. Fun fact: a 6 PM bedtime is NOT too early! While it might not work for every family, it can be a game-changer if your child is overtired at bedtime. An earlier bedtime helps their little bodies reset and makes falling asleep so much easier.

Parenting is hard enough without sleep struggles, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of bedtime, let’s work together! Book a free consultation today, and we’ll create a plan to bring sleep back to your home.