Sleep is a vital part of a child’s growth and development. It is during sleep that a child’s body and brain rest and recharge, facilitating learning, memory, and overall health.

Recommended sleep hours by age

The National Sleep Foundation has recommended the number of hours of sleep for children according to their age. Here are the recommended sleep hours:.

Newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns need the most amount of sleep, typically sleeping between 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. They usually sleep in 2-3 hour stretches, waking up for feedings every few hours.

Infants (4-11 months)

Infants usually sleep between 12 to 15 hours in a day, including naps. Their sleep is usually broken down into two daytime naps and one night sleep, but the exact pattern varies from baby to baby.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers sleep for around 11 to 14 hours, including naps. Most toddlers take a single long afternoon nap of two to three hours in addition to the 10-12 hour night sleep.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Preschoolers need around 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day and usually have a flat afternoon nap. Many preschools require a nap period during the day to fulfill a preschooler’s sleep requirement.

School-age children (6-13 years)

School-age children need 9 to 11 hours of sleep per day. They are usually capable of having complete overnight sleep with no naps during the day.

Teenagers (14-17 years)

Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, their sleep schedule tends to be delayed due to natural changes in circadian rhythm and an increase in homework and social requirements.

The consequences of little sleep for children

Not getting enough sleep can have significant physical, emotional, and behavioral impacts on children. Children can suffer from physical symptoms such as poor weight gain, obesity, immune system weaknesses, and even diabetes.

Emotionally, they can suffer from depression and anxiety.

Children who do not get enough sleep also tend to be irritable, hyperactive, and have trouble concentrating, which can impact their school performance.

Challenging bedtime and nighttime routines, such as cell phone use or watching television before bedtime, can also impact sleep and lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

Conclusion

Sleep is critical for children’s growth and development. Making sure your child gets enough sleep and having consistent bedtime routines can minimize the physical, emotional, and behavioral impacts of sleep deprivation.