Students in elementary grades don't often fall asleep in class, but when they do, it can be a distraction to you and to the other students. Sleeping in class also can signify another problem that warrants your attention.
If you have a student who is nodding off frequently, do some digging to find out why. It may be that she is going to bed too late; is bored in school; has a medical problem, such as allergies, diabetes, or hypoglycemia; or is experiencing side effects of medication. When investigating the reasons, look for a pattern by examining when and where the student falls asleep.
Knowing why a student is falling asleep will help you figure out how to respond, and whether to deal with the problem as a medical concern, an emotional difficulty, a motivational problem, or a disciplinary issue