"Sleep--or lack of it--is probably the most-discussed aspect of baby care," according to KidsHealth from Nemours, an education organization that focuses on children. The important thing for parents to remember is that the charts listing the number of hours required each night represent averages only. All children have individual sleep needs and your child may require more than the average at any given age.
Sleeping Habits at One to Three Years
Interruptions are the main problem confronting sleep of children during the first year of life. KidsHealth notes that children during the first three years have trouble sleeping due to disruptions that attract attention away from sleeping. "Growing imaginations can start to interrupt sleep," according to the agency. The average nightly sleep for this age group ranges from 10 to 13 hours each day. This sleep may occur at night or during daytime naps, according to the child's personal preferences. One long nap during this age may be preferable to two shorter naps during the day for some kids. Experimentation is the key for finding the right sleep habit for a child in this age group.
Sleeping Habits at Four to Seven Years
The University of Michigan Health System states that children age four through seven average at least 11 hours of sleep. Children at age four may need half an hour more than other children in this age group. Four is a critical age due to the suggestion that naps be eliminated for most children. The University of Michigan Health System notes that naps are omitted for all other ages in this grouping.
Sleeping Habits at Eight to 10 Years
The recommended average time for sleep for children ages eight to 10 years includes 10 to 11 hours each night for ages eight and nine, and 10 hours for ages 10 and 11. Naps should not be a requirement, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Children should sleep soundly through the night and not need a nap to refresh during the day. Children ages eight to 10 should have a nighttime sleep routine with a set hour for bedtime. Distractions, such as television, should be minimized.
Sleeping Habits of Preteens and Teens
Preteen sleep habits adjust as the child approaches the teen years. The University of Michigan Health System notes the average sleep time for 11-year-olds is 10 hours each night, without any naps. Eleven-year-olds may need an average of 10 hours, but some require only 9.5 hours of sleep every evening. By the time the child is 14 to 15 years old, an average of only 9.5 hours is required. Sixteen-year-olds average 9.25 hours every night. No preteens or teens require nap time, according to the MHS. Teen sleep involves brain patterns that favor a set number of hours. When teens stay up late, it may be difficult for the teen body to wake up early for school or activity. Severe disruption for teens who routinely stay up late is called delayed sleep phase syndrome, according to KidsHealth.
