Effects of Sleep on Kids: How Much Sleep Should They Really Get?
While most parents are aware that children need a different amount of sleep than adults, just how much sleep should your child be getting? With the busy lifestyle most people lead these days, it’s easy to set your child’s schedule around yours. That might mean they don’t get as much sleep as they really need or go to bed at a good time.
According to the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children should get this amount of sleep:
● Infants four to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
● Children one to two years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
● Children three to five years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
● Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
● Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Staying up too late can prompt snacking in children that can lead to childhood obesity. Children who do not get enough sleep are less productive in school, as well. A regular bedtime and sleep schedule is very important to the welfare and healthy growth of children.
How can you help your kids get better sleep?
1. Implement an exact bedtime and try to follow it every night.
2. Follow the hours of sleep above for your child’s age group.
3. Create a good sleep environment for your children with a night light, soothing night time music or white noise, and some technology sheets from NuSleep - so they don’t get overheated and wake up or have a restless night.
- Romell Bhaala
