“Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health”

Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.

How much sleep does my child need?

Children of different ages require different amounts of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) produced a ’Consensus Statement‘ in 2016 regarding recommended amount of sleep for paediatric populations. The figures below gives an indication of the amount of sleep your child requires on a regular basis to promote optimal health:

  • Children 3 to 5 years – 10-13 hours of sleep, including naps
  • Children 6 to 12 years – 9-12 hours of sleep
  • Teenagers 13 to 18 years – 8-10 hours of sleep

The lead-up and routine around your child’s bedtime is referred to as their ’sleep hygiene’. Having good sleep hygiene can help your child both to settle to sleep and to stay asleep, and there are several things that parents can do to aid this. Watch this space for our next piece on sleep hygiene.