It’s easy to tell when babies are tired. They rub their eyes, cry, and maybe even suck their thumb. It is not as easy to tell with older children though. Even though children seem to have oodles of energy, they still need a proper nights’ sleep. Today your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, continues his discussion regarding how much sleep children need.
How Much Sleep Is Enough?
Newborns can sleep up to 18 hours a day in short bursts at a time. As they reach a year old they still need a good 15 hours of sleep a day. They begin to sleep more at night and nap during the day as their circadian rhythm develops.
Eighteen to 21 months: At this stage your child will begin napping only once a day for anywhere from 1 to 3 or more hours. They will still require 12 to 14 hours of sleep each day, but often the typical toddler gets only about 10 hours of sleep a day.
Twenty-one to 36 months: A child this age still requires a nap usually in the early afternoon. They will wake sometime between 6 and 8 am and go to bed sometime between 7 and 9 pm. Children who do not get the proper amount of sleep at this age can become cranky and disruptive. They still require between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day for peak performance.
Three to 6 years of age: Although naps may become shorter, most children still benefit from a nap until age 5 when they begin school. A child at this age needs 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
In part 3 of Children and Sleep, Dr. Stewart will discuss the sleep needs of children ages 6 and up.
About Dr. Stewart
James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. If you think you or a loved one is dealing with a sleep disorder, call our office today at (734) 425-4400, to schedule an appointment. At Dental sleep Medicine of Michigan, we are committed to forming trusting relationships with our patients so we can work together to achieve sound treatment and a future full of restful nights.
