So how much sleep does your newborn need?  How much sleep is normal in a toddler?  Does my child need naps?  Is it normal for my teenager to sleep until noon?  These are common questions for a pediatrician.  To evaluate for possible sleep disorders, parents should be aware of what is considered normal.  Children have very different sleep patterns when compared to adults.  Young infants may sleep up to 20 hours per day.  Children generally stop taking naps at about 5 years of age.  The day-night human clock creates what is called a "circadian rhythm."  This internal clock tells the body when to be sleepy and when to be awake.  This internal clock can be affected by multiple environmental clues, the most important one being light and darkness differences.  Sleep problems may occur from medications (i.e., caffeine), poor sleep patterns (i.e., staying up late and getting up early), or sleep disturbances (i.e., sleep apnea, non-peaceful surroundings).

What is the normal amount of sleep in children?

Newborns (0-3 months old)

• 16-20 hours total per day
• Sleeping occurs in 1-4 hour spurts followed by 1-2 hour periods of wakefulness
• Amount of daytime sleep is the same as nighttime sleep
• Breastfed babies may have shorter sleep cycles

Infants (3-12 months old)

• 13-15 hours total per day
• 2-4 hours of napping during the day (average of 2 naps)
• 11 hours at night total (often with 1-3 awakenings, especially when younger)
• Approximately 75% of infants sleep through the night by 9 months of age

Toddler (1-3 years old)

• 12-14 hours total per day
• 1.5 - 3.5 hours of napping (usually one nap daily)
• May develop nighttime fears
• Maintaining a consitent bedtime routine is important

Preschool (3-6 years old)

• 11-12 hours total per day
• Most preschool children stop napping by 5 years old
• About 20% have night awakenings

Middle childhood (6-12 years old)

• 10 hours total per day
• Often sleep more on weekends due to midweek sleep deficits
• Insufficient sleep may lead to behavior or mood problems

Adolescents (12 to 18 years old)

• 9 hours total per day
• Inadequate sleep in this age group is common
• Often sleep more on weekends due to midweek sleep deficits
• Puberty may affect sleep patterns

What are some causes of poor sleep in children?

• Television or computer in bedroom
• Radio, music, or lights on
• Too much caffeine (especially late in the day)
• Medications (i.e., steroids, ADHD medications,  allergy meds)
• Lack of a good bedtime routine
• Hunger
• Sleeping too late in the mornings

Should my child take medications to help her sleep?

Generally, medications are not recommended to help a child sleep.  Some pediatricians recommend melatonin as a way to reset the day-night internal clock.  This is likely safe for older children but should be discussed with your pediatrician.

Does my child snore too much?

Excess snoring in a child may be an indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  OSA is caused by soft tissues in the neck obstructing the airway.  This can lead to snoring, poor sleep, and daytime sleepiness.

What happens to children who don't get enough sleep?

Unlike adults, children with a deficit of sleep often do not act "sleepy."  Many have mood and behavior problems and school performance may be affected.  Some children become more hyperactive when they are not getting enough sleep. 

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