Sleeping

What is typical?

Sleep needs change throughout your child’s life depending on the life stage that they are in. Typically, children should sleep:

• infants (0–3 months): 14–17 hours, including naps
• infants (4–12 months: 12–16 hours, including naps
• toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours, including naps
• preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps
• school-age (6–13 years): 9–12 hours

What are the common concerns?

How can I tell if my child isn’t getting enough sleep? A child who isn’t getting enough sleep may:

• fall asleep during the day
• be hyperactive (especially younger children)
• have trouble paying attention
• struggle with school work
• be cranky, whiny, irritable, or moody
• have behaviour problems

Signs of sleep problems include:

• Sleepwalking
• Wetting the bed
• Night terrors
• Teeth grinding
• Snoring
• Trouble breathing while asleep, or taking long pauses between breaths

What can I do?

• Stick to a regular bedtime. You can give your kids a heads-up 30 minutes and then 10 minutes beforehand.
• Establish a bedtime routine which might include having a shower or bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, or listening to quiet music, singing a lullaby and picking a stuffed animal to sleep with.
• Turn off all screens (TV, computers, phones, tablets, and video games) at least 1 hour before bedtime.
• Setting the thermostat to a slightly cooler temperature
• Using dark curtains to block out light, or use a nightlight if they’re scared of the dark.

Who can I speak to?

If you think your child may have a sleep problem, especially if they have trouble breathing while they sleep, talk to your general practitioner (GP), paediatrician or Maternal and Child Health nurse.