From infants and toddlers to school-aged children and teens, one of the most common questions we get is how much sleep should my child be getting? While it's true that sleep needs vary from person to person, there are some very reasonable, science-based guidelines to help you determine if your child is getting the sleep he or she needs to grow, learn and play!
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides some helpful guidelines regarding just how much sleep children need at different stages in their development. Don't forget though that these numbers reflect TOTAL sleep hours in a 24-hour period, this includes naps.
Do These Numbers Surprise You?
It's important to remember that all children thrive on a regular bedtime routine. Regular sleep deprivation can result in difficult behaviors and health problems such as: irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypertension, obesity, headaches and depression. Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system and better school performance, behavior, memory and mental health!!
