It is well embedded in our consciousness that sleep is crucial for the growth and development of individuals of all ages, but it’s especially vital for infants and children. Like adults, children have varying sleep requirements based on age and biology. Understanding these sleep limits and recognizing signs that your child is getting enough sleep is essential and can help reduce parental anxiety around sleep.
Let’s have a look at sleep requirements by age.
Children have an inbuilt mechanism that determines how many hours of sleep they need from the moment they are born. These sleep requirements vary by age; it is important to understand that these are averages and as you can see, they vary quite drastically within the age range:
Newborns (0-3 months): Newborns need the most sleep, averaging around 14-17 hours a day. Neither their circadian rhythm (day/night cycle) nor their sleep cycle have matured into a more adult version.
Infants: 1. (3-6 months) roughly around 13-15 in the 24-hour cycle, you may notice a daytime nap pattern with around 4/5 naps.
(6-9 months) A slight reduction in total sleep at around 12-14 hours in the 24-hour cycle, with naps dropping to around 3-4
(9-12months) 11-14 hours in the 24-hour cycle naps may reduce down to 1-3
While nighttime sleep may become more consolidated, it is still very likely that your little one will still wake during the night. Studies have shown the average wake time for under two years is 0-2.5 times a night. C. Galland, et al. 2011.
Toddlers (1-2 years): Toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep in 24 hours.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Children in this age group generally require 10-13 hours of sleep, including a daytime nap that often disappears by age 5.
School-age children (6-13 years): School-age kids need about 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Napping becomes less common, but some children may still benefit from a short nap after school.
Signs Your Child is Getting Enough Sleep
While these age-based guidelines provide a rough estimate of sleep requirements, every child is unique. It’s essential to pay attention to your child’s individual cues to determine if they are getting enough sleep. Here are some signs to look for:
Consistent Bedtime and Wake Time: A regular sleep routine and aiming for similar daily timings is crucial for children. If your child goes to bed and wakes up at roughly the same time each day, it’s a sign they are likely getting enough sleep.
Alertness and Energy: Children who are well-rested are alert and energetic during their waking hours. They should be able to engage in activities and play with enthusiasm.
Good Mood: Well-rested children tend to be in a better mood. If your child is generally happy and content, it’s a positive indication of adequate sleep.
Proper Growth: Sleep is essential for growth in children. If your child is growing at a healthy rate and meeting developmental milestones, it’s a sign that their sleep needs are being met.
No Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: While children may occasionally nap during the day, excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty waking up in the morning could indicate they aren’t getting enough sleep at night. This become more noticeable as your little one grows up.
Frequent Night Wakings: While it can be perfectly normal for your little one to wake up during the night and still need your help to get back to sleep. If your child consistently wakes up multiple times a night, and it becomes unmanageable, something else might happen.
Age-Appropriate Naps: Younger children need more daytime sleep than older ones. If your child is taking age-appropriate naps and still sleeping well at night, it’s a positive sign.
Absence of Behavioural Issues: Lack of sleep can contribute to behavioural problems in children. If your child is generally well-behaved and not overly irritable or hyperactive, it’s a sign that their sleep is adequate.
Understanding the sleep limits within infants and children is essential for their overall health and development. While there are general guidelines for age-appropriate sleep durations, paying attention to your child’s needs and cues is crucial. By recognizing the signs that your child is getting enough sleep, parents can understand what is going on with their little ones and if they need help. Keeping a sleep diary can help distinguish how much sleep your little one gets. If you have concerns about your child’s sleep, don’t hesitate to contact me for a how can I help call.
References
Comments