Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Sleep patterns in children

Children who get enough sleep are less prone to behavior problems and moodiness. They often develop better memory, concentration, and longer attention spans. With plenty of sleep, they may also recover from illness faster. Growth spurts are accelerated during sleep, as the human growth hormone is released. Behavioral problems can even result from lack of sleep.

While children may seem anything but sleepy at bedtime, they still may be. Their bouncing around the room behavior may be masking sleep deprivation. How much is enough sleep? Two year olds normally need 13 hours of sleep a day, including naps. By age five, 11 hours is the average amount needed. School-aged children need about 10 hours of sleep. Most teenagers need a good 9 hours of sleep at night to be alert during the day. Sleep patterns vary, based on the age of the child.

The following guidelines define common sleep patterns:

• Normal newborn babies may sleep anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day. The average is about 16 hours divided into 3 or 4 hour naps between feedings. Sleep is affected by the baby's hunger, environment, and activity. Rocking induces sleep. Babies begin sleeping through the night when they weigh 12 or 13 pounds. When this occurs, most babies may sleep soundly (7 or 8 hours without waking) for a few weeks or months and then return abruptly to a late-night or wake-up schedule. Growth and developmental changes may be the cause. Two naps a day are usually needed through the twelfth month.
• Toddlers and preschoolers sleep an average of about 12 hours a day and take one nap. Naps may be stopped by the end of the third year. Sleep problems are common, especially when going to bed and falling asleep. Nightmares and night terrors may occur. Bedtime rituals (regular bedtimes, baths, snacks, quiet activity, bedtime reading, favorite stuffed animal or blanket) are helpful to ease insecurity and relax the toddler.
• School-aged children require less sleep, as they get older. Their need drops down to 10 hours a day. The child's age, activity level, and health status strongly influence the amount of sleep needed. Bedtime rituals and later bedtimes reduce resistance. Common fears are fear of the dark, strange noises, intruders, or imagined ideas. Nightmares and night terrors may continue.
• Teenagers get sleepy later than preteens and often have trouble falling asleep. They often complain of being tired upon return from school, and like to sleep-in on the weekends. Puberty brings changes to their sleep-wake cycle. Marathon snoozes are common at this age.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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