By: Guest Blogger Hilary Thompson
Most parents are aware that babies, toddlers, and teens need extra sleep, but few know exactly how much is required. Children’s bodies and brains undergo such a rapid period of development that sufficient sleep is essential. Because children rarely show the same signs of sleep deprivation as adults, it is hard to tell if they are getting enough. In fact, sleep deprivation in children can often look like just the opposite––excess energy can be a sign of a child being overtired.
So how much sleep do they really need? According to the Sleep Foundation, it varies. Use their handy chart below for reference.
| Age | Recommended | May Be Appropriate | Not Recommended |
| Newborns
0 to 3 months |
14 to 17 hours | 11 to 13 hours
18 to 19 hours |
Less than 11 hours
More than 19 hours |
| Infants
4 to 11 months |
12 to 15 hours | 10 to 11 hours
16 to 18 hours |
Less than 10 hours
More than 18 hours |
| Toddlers
1 to 2 years |
11 to 14 hours | 9 to 10 hours
15 to 16 hours |
Less than 9 hours
More than 16 hours |
| Preschoolers
3 to 5 years |
10 to 13 hours | 8 to 9 hours
14 hours |
Less than 8 hours
More than 14 hours |
| School-Aged Children
6 to 13 years |
9 to 11 hours | 7 to 8 hours
12 hours |
Less than 7 hours
More than 12 hours |
| Teenagers
14 to 17 years |
8 to 10 hours | 7 hours
11 hours |
Less than 7 hours
More than 11 hours |
| Young Adults
18 to 25 years |
7 to 9 hours | 6 hours
10 to 11 hours |
Less than 6 hours
More than 11 hours |
So what can you do to improve the quality and quantity of your children’s sleep? There are many factors that lead to good sleep hygiene for kids. Here are just a few:
