There is no denying that sleep is important for the health and development of children of any age. Sleep is beneficial for various aspects of a child’s well being including their heart health, growth, weight, immune system, attention span, and it even helps them to learn.
Depending on their age, children need different amounts of sleep in each stage of their development. Here is a basic outline of how much sleep a child needs.
Newborns (0-3 Months)
Children sleep more during the newborn months than in any other stage, but it’s also when they need the most sleep. Newborns should get around 14-17 hours of sleep each day between naps and bedtime.
Infants (4-11 Months)
Like newborn babies, infants also need significantly more sleep than toddlers and older children. Infants should get around 12-15 hours of sleep. To get enough sleep, infants should take 2-4 naps per day, depending on the length of each nap, and be put to bed when they show signs of sleepiness.
Toddlers (1-2 Years)
As children grow out of the infant stage, they will naturally begin to sleep less, however they should still be getting 11-14 hours of sleep each day. Toddlers may drop down to one nap rather than multiple. Bedtime should happen at a consistent time each day to help their bodies adapt to a healthy sleep schedule.
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
During the preschool years, children will likely become more resistant to bedtime, but consistency will help them to maintain the healthy sleep habits that will help them get through the day, encourage their imagination, and process all that they are learning. Preschoolers should sleep around 10-13 hours per night. Some preschoolers will still take a nap, while many others stop naps during these years.
School-Aged Children (6-13 Years)
As children become busier with school and other activities, sleep becomes more necessary to help them get through the demands of s=each day. To help children get the recommended 8-12 hours of sleep each night, limit screen time and overly active activities as bedtime approaches.
Teenagers (14-17 Years)
Despite their own opinions, teenagers need just as much sleep as school-aged children. 8-10 hours of sleep each night will help them to do better in school, to maintain positive attitudes, and to keep up with any extra-curricular activities they may be involved in. Some teenagers will get that much sleep and more without issue, but many others will need to be encouraged and reminded of the importance of a good nights sleep.
If you are concerned about the amount or quality of sleep your child is getting, speak to both their pediatrician and their dentist. Dental problems such as teeth grinding could be to blame. At Adaven Children’s Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada, we specialize in the oral health of children of all ages and provide excellent dental services to help children grow and develop. Call us today at (702) 492-1955 to schedule an appointment.
Adaven Children’s Dentistry
2843 St. Rose Pkwy Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89052
Phone: (702) 492-1955
