Why is sleep important?
Why do children need sleep?
Children need sleep to support healthy brain maturation, provide time for the body to grow, maintain physical health and the immune system, optimize learning ability, and encourage a positive mood. The brain does not stop working while children sleep. It consolidates memories and continues the process of learning as well as cleansing toxins that are associated with impaired mental function. Sleep is foundational to a child’s positive experience of life.
How much do they need?
The sleep needs of a baby or child depend on age and the individual child. Listed here are typical hours of sleep per day by age:
- Newborns:
Between 16 to 18 hours - 1-3 month-olds:
Between 15 and 16 hours - 3-9 month-olds:
Between 14 and 15 hours - 9-12 month-olds:
Between 13 and 14 hours - 1-2 year-olds:
Between 12 and 13 hours - 2-4 year-olds:
Between 11 and 13 hours - 4-5 year-olds:
Between 10 and 13 hours
There are some children who need more or less sleep, but in our experience most children who sleep less do so because they are overtired.
How do I know if my child is getting enough sleep?
Being in a good mood, going to sleep peacefully, waking up in good spirits, and interest in playing are all signs of a child being well rested. There are many indications that he or she might be overtired. These include: yawning, fussing, rubbing eyes, pulling on ears, irritable or cranky mood, difficulty taking naps or going to sleep, hyperactivity, waking up during the night, or crashing to sleep.