Does your teen sleep all day while the younger ones don't seem to sleep at all? It's frustrating not knowing how much is too much and how much is not enough when it comes to sleep patterns. To make things worse different kids may require different amounts of sleep to be well rested. There is a commonality in childhood sleep patterns and this may help you determine whether you kid is or isn't getting enough rest.
1- 3 Years: 12-14 hours a day
Children between the ages of one and three years will often sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day. As young ones approach 18-21 months many will lose their morning nap, resulting in only one nap a day. This nap may last between 1 ½ to 2 hours. Though most toddlers require up to 14 hours of sleep a day, many will get only about 10½. This can lead to a fussy baby.
Often times the transition from two naps to one may be a tough time. While two naps are just too much, one nap doesn't seem to be enough. In this case, move the youngsters bed time up a bit allowing an extra hour of sleep through the night. This makes the morning nap less crutial for a happy toddler.
Most kids between 21 and 36 months will still need one nap a day. These naps can be anywhere from 1 to 3 ½ hours long. Most children in this age range go to bed between 7 and 9 p.m. and wake up between 6 and 8 a.m. It's important to be consistent with bedtimes at this age as a routine of sleep times promotes healthier sleep patterns now and later in life..
When children are well rested occasional deviations in sleep routines will be tolerated easily, but if your child is often tired from lack of sleep or varied nap and sleep times, missing a nap can have severe consequences. Maintaining a consistant nap and sleep schedule will help your child get all the rest they need.
3-6 Years Old: 10 ¾ - 12 hours per day
Children three to six years old often go to bed between 7 and 9 pm and wake up anywhere between 6 and 8am, This may have been their sleeping routine when they were younger also. Most 3 year olds still nap and gradually grow out of this habit by 4 ½ to 5 years. Most children who sleep well by this age will not develop any sleeping disorders past the age of three.
By the age of 5 most children have become quite profecient at stalling their bedtimes and unless you, as their parent, are aware of the sleep time they're missing, you'll wonder why every afternoon your child transforms into a cranky, crying, creature you don't recognize.
As preschool and other activities may eliminate nap time they can sometimes create the need for a nap the child may not have needed before. If these activities can be scheduled in the mornings then you child may benefit from an afternoon nap as long as they still go to bed at a reasonable hour.
The amount of rest your child receives often determines their mood and temperment. If your child suddenly exhibits aggressive or defiant behavior or behaviorial problems or hyperactivity, these can be symptoms of a child that is not getting enough sleep.
7-12 Years Old: 10 - 11 hours per day
As you child grows older school and other activities such as home work can prevent your child from going to bed much earlier than 9 p.m. When they don't get enough sleep they most often complain in the morning, not wanting to get out of bed. The sleep needs of kids in this age range often are not met, but are highly important to your child's health, development, and well-being. If your kids do not get the proper amount of sleep they often become tired during the day, usually in the classroom. It is important to allow these children extra sleep time, even if this means going to bed earlier, which is not a popular choice for many kids. They'd rather sleep later and miss school rather than miss their favorite television program.
Children who receive enough rest will usually perform better in school while kids that don't get the amount of sleep they need may not perform to their potential.
12-18 Years Old: 8 ¼ - 9 ½ hours per day
Many teenagers over 15 may need more sleep than when they were younger. Unfortunately, school and social activities often limit the amount of sleep they get and most teens don't get the sleep they need. Many have difficulty falling asleep and frequently wake up at night. This is not normal and should be addressed with their doctor. Sleep deprivation can lead to other more serious behavioral problems in teens.
This is only a guide to illustrate the amount of sleep an average child might require. Although many children might need less or more sleep depending on their bodys requirements, all children will need the proper amount of sleep to be a healthy, happy and well rested child.
