Sleep
The state of reduced consciousness and physical activity during which the body and brain undergo essential restorative processes.
Quick Facts
| Age Group | Recommended Duration | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-3 months) | 14-17 hours | Polyphasic, 2-4 hour cycles |
| Infant (4-11 months) | 12-15 hours | 2-3 Naps plus night sleep |
| Toddler (1-2 years) | 11-14 hours | 1-2 naps plus night sleep |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 10-13 hours | Often 1 nap or quiet time |
| School age (6-13 years) | 9-11 hours | Night sleep only |
| Teenager (14-17 years) | 8-10 hours | Night sleep, delayed phase |
Sleep Architecture
Sleep cycles consist of:
- Non-REM stages 1-3: Light to deep sleep, physical restoration
- REM sleep: Brain development, memory consolidation, dreaming
- Children spend proportionally more time in REM than adults
- Full cycle duration: 50-60 minutes (infants) to 90 minutes (adolescents)
Common Sleep Patterns by Age
Newborns
- No circadian rhythm established
- Wake every 2-4 hours for feeding
- Total sleep distributed across day and night
6-12 months
- Circadian rhythm develops
- Night wakings normal but decreasing
- Most consolidate to 2 naps by 9 months
Toddlers and preschoolers
- Resistance to bedtime common (developmental autonomy)
- Night terrors may emerge (3-8 years)
- Afternoon nap drops between 3-5 years
School age
- Consistent bedtime crucial for learning and behaviour
- Sleep debt accumulates quickly
- Electronic device use significantly impacts sleep onset
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
- Create consistent routines — Same bedtime/wake time daily, including weekends
- Design sleep environment — Dark, cool (16-20°C), quiet, screen-free
- Implement wind-down period — 30-60 minutes before bed; dim lights, calm activities
- Ensure adequate daytime activity — Physical exercise, outdoor time, natural light exposure
- Limit stimulants — No caffeine (older children), avoid sugar near bedtime
- Address anxiety — Brief check-ins, comfort objects, predictable routine
Red Flags
Consult a healthcare provider if child experiences:
- Persistent difficulty falling asleep (>30 minutes nightly)
- Frequent night wakings after age 1 (>3 times per night)
- Loud snoring, breathing pauses, or gasping
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep duration
- Sleepwalking with injury risk
- Nightmares causing significant distress (>2 per week)
See also
[[Bedtime routines]] • Night terrors • [[Sleep regression]] • [[Co-sleeping]] • Naps
Note: General guidance only. Consult a healthcare provider for specific concerns.