How Many Hours of Sleep Does Your Child Need?
Amya Saffore
| 3 min read
Sleep is essential for all ages, but the amount of sleep required varies, especially for children. It is fundamental to their development and health.
Learn more about the amount of sleep children need by age, why sleep is so important and how to help your child get good sleep.
Sleep based on age
According to the Cleveland Clinic, recommended daily sleep hours for children by age group are:
Infants age 4 to 12 months
Babies sleep between 12 to 16 hours daily, which includes multiple naps as their sleep patterns aren’t consistent yet. At six months, most healthy babies no longer need nighttime feeding. Through routines, they may start to have more predictable sleep.
Toddlers age 1 to 2 years
Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including one daily nap. They start sleeping longer at night and benefit from consistent sleep routines. Setting clear but gentle boundaries around bedtime can improve sleep quality and reinforce healthy nighttime habits as they grow older.
Children age 3 to 5 years
Preschoolers and kindergarteners typically sleep 10 to13 hours with occasional naps. If children stop napping, move their bedtime earlier to ensure enough sleep. Routines remain essential for children to wind down and sleep through the night.
Children age 6 to 12 years
Children in this age group should be sleeping around nine to 12 hours per night. Sufficient sleep helps with staying alert, focused and emotionally balanced. Without proper rest, kids may struggle academically and socially.
Teens age 13 to 18
Teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep but often fall short due to packed schedules. Academic pressure, jobs and social lives interfere with rest. Chronic sleep deprivation causes fatigue, mood changes and reduced performance. Prioritizing sleep is essential for health and safety—especially for teens learning to drive.
Every child is different, and a healthy amount of sleep varies across a wide range of factors.
Why is children’s quality sleep important?
Sleep is related to several developmental factors that influence daytime alertness and school performance. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adequate sleep improves:
- Attention
- Behavior
- Learning
- Memory
- Emotional regulation
- Quality of life
- Mental health
- Physical health
How to help your child sleep
Here are a few tips for healthy sleep from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Be a good role model and show your child that sleep matters through your own healthy habits.
- Keep consistent bedtime and morning routines.
- Keep kids active with outdoor physical movement. Stop screen time an hour before bed and remove screens from the bedroom.
- Keep the bedroom quiet, the lights dim and at a comfortable temperature.
- Look for signs of sleep problems such as bedtime resistance, snoring, night waking or sleep apnea and address them early. Talk to your child’s primary care provider if sleep problems persist.
By establishing consistent routines, staying active, limiting screen time and consulting with your pediatrician, you can help set your child up for restful nights and brighter days. This doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s fine to start small. Every small step toward better sleep can make a big difference.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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