How many hours sleep should children have?
Does my Child sleep for too long or not long enough?
“How many hours sleep are children supposed have?” is question I’m often asked. Many parents are unsure of exactly how much sleep their children should be getting and how many hours constitute a ‘good night’s sleep’. Nowadays experts would agree that we all get far fewer hours than is necessary for good health. The table below shows how many hours are recommended by the NHS, according to their age and is a useful guide.
| Age (Years) | Recommended quantity of sleep |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day: 2hr 30 mins Night: 11 hrs |
| 2 | Day: 1hr 30 mins Night: 11hrs 30 mins |
| 3 | Day: 0 to 45 mins Night: 11 hrs 30 mins/12 hrs |
| 4 | 11hrs 30 mins |
| 5 | 11hrs |
| 6 | 10hrs 45 mins |
| 7 | 10hrs 30 mins |
| 8 | 10hrs 15 mins |
| 9 | 10hrs |
| 10 | 9hrs 45 mins |
| 11 | 9hrs 30 mins |
| 12 | 9hrs 15 mins |
| 13 | 9hrs 15 mins |
| 14 | 9hrs |
| 15 | 9hrs |
| 16 | 9hrs |
Source: www.nhs.uk
Learn more about my latest book ‘First Aid for Your Child’s Mind’.
About the Author
Alicia Eaton is a Behaviour Change Psychotherapist based in London's Harley Street for over 20 years, working with families, supporting both adults and children, helping to tackle difficult problems such as anxiety, bedwetting, eating and weight issues. She also offers advice and training to schools, teachers, clinicians and professionals working with children.
Alicia is the author of several best-selling books including ‘Stop Bedwetting in 7 Days’, recommended by NHS hospital clinics and ‘First Aid for your Child’s Mind', now published around the world in seven different languages.
Her latest book ‘Mind How your Kids Eat’ gives psychological insights into how our children learn to eat and what to do about food fussiness, sensory sensitivities, ARFID, junk food cravings and weight issues.
