Ask Amy - How Can I Tell When My Kid Is Overtired?
b'There\'s a fine line between tired and overtired, and sometimes the right bedtime exit becomes clear only once you\'ve blown right past it. A member of our Facebook group asked:\\nHow do I tell the difference between overtired and just plain not tired? In other words, is my toddler not settling to sleep because I\\u2019m putting him down too early or too late?\\nSome of the main symptoms of overtiredness are hyperactivity, irritability, and clinginess\\u2013 caused by a sudden rush of adrenalin. Here\'s how The Sleepy Company explains overtiredness:\\nYour toddler\'s body goes from from the state of being ready for sleep to an "alert and active" state. The body can no longer cope with its fatigue and activates a stress response, pumping adrenalin and cortisol (the hormone that keeps us awake and alert) into the body. This interferes with the normal release of melatonin (the hormone that makes us drowsy), causing irritability and hyperactive behavior.\\nYou can be a detective about how your own kid manifests overtiredness so you get better at catching the right window\\u2013 but in this episode, Amy suggests what may be an easier and more effective long-term approach. Consistency around bedtime\\u2013 both the routines, and the time at which it occurs\\u2013 takes the guesswork out of "is my kid ready for bed?", both for yourself and for your little one.\\nSpecial thanks to our "Question of the Week" sponsor: \\nJane.com\\xa0is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women\\u2019s fashion, accessories, home decor, children\\u2019s clothing, and more. By shopping at\\xa0jane.com, you support small businesses, 1500 of which are women-owned. And you will not believe the prices!\\xa0Visit\\xa0jane.com/laughing.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'