With a "5" hand shape the Palm toward the face close the fingers together to form a flat "O" while moving the hand down toward the chin. The motion should be repeated a total of 2 times to represent the struggle of trying to keep the eyes open.
Point to yourself for 'I', then perform the 'sleepy' sign by bringing your '5' hand down your face into a flat 'O' twice, showing your heavy eyes.
Sign 'baby' by cradling your arms, then use the 'sleepy' sign, making sure your facial expression matches the tired feeling of the baby.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'sleepy' with the repeated downward motion over your face, and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for 'I', then perform the 'sleepy' sign by bringing your '5' hand down your face into a flat 'O' twice, showing your heavy eyes.
Sign 'baby' by cradling your arms, then use the 'sleepy' sign, making sure your facial expression matches the tired feeling of the baby.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'sleepy' with the repeated downward motion over your face, and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
The main difference is the repetition. 'Sleep' is typically signed with a single downward motion where the hand closes once. 'Sleepy' repeats that motion twice to show the ongoing struggle of keeping your heavy eyes open.
You can lightly touch your face or keep your hand just a fraction of an inch away from it. Both are acceptable, but the movement should clearly trace the length of your face down to your chin.
No, 'sleepy' is a one-handed sign. You should use your dominant hand to perform the motion over your face while your non-dominant hand rests naturally at your side.
