While the amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age, some sleep experts say that children require between nine and twelve hours of rest per night. This is because children lose sleep faster than their bodies can adapt to functioning well on less sleep. In addition, they have a complex circadian rhythm that they auto-regulate just like their hunger and thirst. The best time to put your children to bed is dependent on their age, your family schedule, and your family’s preferences.
| Age | Nighttime sleep (in hours) | Daytime sleep (in hours) | Total (in hours) |
| 1 month | 8.5 | 7 (3 naps) | 15.5 |
| 3 months | 10 | 5 (3 naps) | 15 |
| 6 months | 11 | 3.25 (2 naps) | 14.25 |
| 9 months | 11 | 3 (2 naps) | 14 |
| 12 months | 11.25 | 2.5 (2 naps) | 13.75 |
| 2 years | 11 | 2 (1 nap) | 13 |
| 5 years | 11 | 11 | |
| 9 years | 10 | 10 | |
| 14 years | 9 | 9 | |
| 18 years | 8.25 | 8.25 |
Children’s sleep needs are based on their age
As a child gets older, their sleep requirements decrease. During this period, they need nine to 12 hours of sleep. But how do you know if they’re getting enough rest? There are several factors that determine a child’s sleep duration, including age, gender, physical development, and health conditions. Listed below are the typical children’s sleep needs. They may vary from yours.
Sleep plays a vital role in the production of growth hormone. Children and adolescents who get too little sleep may have diminished levels of this hormone. While older kids may require fewer hours of sleep than their younger counterparts, sleep is still important for their cognitive development and emotional health. At the same time, they’re learning a lot, so they need plenty of rest so they can process this information. If they don’t get enough rest, they might feel more emotional and irritable.
Some kids benefit from early abandonment of napping, and it’s possible to minimize this negative impact. Studies have shown that toddlers who skip naps are more likely to be confused, exhibit negative emotions, and have difficulty downloading information into long-term memory. In fact, studies from the British National Child Development Research Programme tell us that a toddler’s sleep needs are different from those of older children in Western countries.
Older children should have a specific bedtime. It’s best to make sure they get eight or more hours of sleep. Make sure they’re ready for bed by introducing a routine, such as brushing teeth, reading, and listening to music. To encourage a child’s sleep, turn off the television, computer, and other screens an hour before bedtime. You may also want to consider removing all electronic devices from the bedroom.
They lose sleep faster than their bodies can evolve to perform well on less sleep
There are many reasons kids don’t get enough sleep. Watching TV, socializing, and working on homework after school can all affect a child’s ability to fall asleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect a child’s immune system by decreasing the number of cells that fight infections and inflammation. This lack of sleep can lead to a range of serious health problems. A lack of sleep can lead to the following symptoms.
Children’s bodies are constantly evolving and need at least seven hours of sleep to maintain good health. However, many parents worry that their kids are losing sleep faster than their bodies can evolve to perform well on less sleep. One study by the Brigham Young University found that teens and children need less sleep than the recommended eight hours. Almost 87 percent of U.S. high school students sleep less than that recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.
The genetic mutation that allows people to function well on less than six hours of sleep has been identified by studying a family that gets by on a lot less sleep than most people. Ying-Hui Fu and his colleagues have studied families that get by with less sleep than most people. They’ve been looking for gene variants responsible for the effect and have even used genetic engineering to confirm its existence.
Lack of sleep also affects a student’s ability to learn. During sleep, brain waves mimic those of sleep, making it difficult for students to focus and retain long-term memories. Sleep-deprived kids are also more likely to experience memory loss, making them space out in class. So, in short, lack of sleep affects their academic and behavioral health. The consequences of this lack of sleep cannot be underestimated.
They require 9-12 hours of sleep per night
Most kids do not get enough sleep. It is recommended that they get at least nine to twelve hours of sleep each night. This is because their brains are still developing and require more sleep than an adult. Kids who get adequate sleep have healthier immune systems, better behavior, better concentration, and better memory. Even a few hours of sleep deprivation can negatively impact a child’s mood, sports performance, and ability to follow directions.
The length of sleep a person needs is largely determined by their biological clock and internal timer. While most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, there are those who need even more. Long sleepers need up to 12 hours of sleep per night, a higher length than the average person of the same age. It’s perfectly normal for adults to sleep longer than that. While it may sound strange, long-sleepers have been shown to have the highest energy levels.
They can benefit from naps
When it comes to sleep, your child’s needs can change considerably as they grow. From their infancy through their teen years, their sleep needs will naturally shift. Young children are still accustomed to taking a single nap during the day, and they will eventually stop requiring a daytime nap. Even so, there are several things you can do to ensure your child gets adequate rest. Quality bed and a comfortable environment are important to a good night’s rest.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has outlined guidelines for how many hours of sleep children should have every day. These guidelines are based on total sleep hours during a 24-hour period. Be sure to account for naps when adding up your child’s sleep hours. Children who get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night have better immune systems, improved school performance, better behavior, improved memory, and improved metal health.
In addition to these factors, infants need frequent naps so they can consolidate specific memories and develop more generalized memories. These skills are essential for learning and brain development. While newborns sleep a lot during the day, the hours that they spend napping during the day are not as significant. As an infant, naps typically last about two to three hours. While naps are important for the development of a child’s brain, it is also essential to note that many children do not require a nap during the day.
Despite the numerous benefits of sleep, there are also some downsides. Kids are losing sleep faster than their bodies can adapt to the changes in light of our modern lives. For starters, the effects of sleep deprivation aren’t permanent. In fact, children who get less sleep may actually improve their grades and be better behaved. A study by Brigham Young University found that children who sleep less at an early age, while older children lose more in general, may be more likely to stay awake and perform better in school.