As parents, we know how important it is for our child to get the right amount of sleep, and we know that not having enough sleep is detrimental for our child. But the question is “How much sleep does my child need?”
Studies have shown that a lack of sleep in children can result in:
- Obesity
- Weakened Immune System
- Learning Difficulties
- Poor Performance at School and Sport
- Lack of Concentration and Forgetfulness
- Increased Moodiness and Irritability
- Lack of Motivation
- Increased Anxiety
- Increased Night Terrors, Sleepwalking and Bedwetting
Conversely, there are numerous benefits to getting sufficient sleep.
- Keeps your Heart Healthy
- Reduces Stress
- Improves Memory
- Reduces the Risk of Depression
- Helps the Body Repair Itself
- Improves Overall Health
The most common question parents have is ‘How much sleep does my child need?’
The answer is it depends on their age.
The table below shows how much sleep children need.
Age | Required Sleep |
Newborn (0 to 2 months) | 15-17 hours a day (3 to 4 hours at a time) |
Babies (2 months to 6 months) | 14 to 16 hours |
Older Babies (6 months to 1 year) | 14 hours |
Toddlers (1 to 3 years) | 11 to 13 hours |
Pre-Schoolers (3 to 5 years) | 10 to 12 hours |
School-aged children (5 to 10 years) | 10 to 12 hours |
Older Children (10 to 13 years) | 9 to 11 hours |
Teens (13 to 18 years) | 8 to 10 hours |
It is equally essential that both young and older children have a consistent sleep pattern. It can be more challenging to ensure teens have enough sleep. Technology often plays a role, so introduce some rules around screen time, for example – no screen time after dinner until breakfast, no devices in the bedroom etc.
Be as consistent as possible with bedtime – there will always be exceptions such as special occasions or an evening out, but the sooner you can create good sleeping habits for your child, the better.
Download our printable Bedtime Routine
Day is over; night has come. Today is gone; what’s done is done. Embrace your dreams through the night. Tomorrow comes with a whole new light.
– George Orwell
