Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

April 13, 2006 — -- If your children have trouble paying attention, lack of sleep may be to blame, says Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of "Sleepless in America."

Here's how to tell whether your children are getting enough sleep and how to fix it, if they aren't.

Signs Your Child Isn't Getting Enough Sleep

Kids become clumsy or rowdy at bedtime

Kids can't focus or pay attention

Kids start fights in social situations

How to Make Sure Your Child Gets Enough Sleep

Adhere to similar schedules on weekends and weekdays. Lack of sleep on Saturday can affect kids on Monday morning.

Avoid stimulating activities before going to bed. Don't let your kids use the computer, watch TV, or talk on the phone right before they go to bed. These activities stimulate the brain and keep it from relaxing, which will make falling asleep more difficult.

Let your kids take power naps. Encourage your older children to take naps that are 20 minutes to 45 minutes long. After 45 minutes, the body starts going into deep sleep, which means that you are groggy when you wake up. Naps longer than 45 minutes can have a negative impact on your night sleep.