Healthy Sleeping Children

Parents are often surprised to know that pediatricians consider sleep one of the most important parts of a child's health. Children who do not get enough sleep can have trouble learning and may have an increased risk of psychological problems, such as depression and attention deficit disorders. Sometimes children who do not get enough sleep become cranky and fussy, and usually the parents are cranky too. Occasionally, children are unable to sleep due to medical conditions, but many times it is simply a result of our busy lifestyle.

As a parent, you have to respect nap times for younger children. Routines and schedules are very important for little ones and help them get the sleep they need. Before age 1, children will nap 1 to 4 times per day. Around 18 months of age, children will begin to only take one nap per day. Naps usually disappear by age 5. Children who get more sleep at night will have shorter naps. And if your child seems to sleep less at night, naps during the day are even more important. Even if you're one of those lucky parents with a child that happily sleeps through the night, make sure you look at her total sleep. Nine hours may seem like a full night's sleep to you, but for a young child, she will still need a nap to get enough rest.

How much total sleep is enough? Average sleep duration varies by age. But for the amounts most pediatricians recommend, see the table below:
Birth to 3 months : 16 hours
3 months to 1 year : 13 to 15 hours
1 year to 2 years : 13 hours
2 years to 5 years : 11 to 13 hours
5 years to 12 years : 9 to 10 hours
Adolescents : 8 to 9 hours

Most children are not getting enough sleep and the most common cause is overly busy schedules. Recreational activities like music and sports are important, but the timing in the day is even more important. Choose classes that do not conflict with nap times and make sure the activities aren't too much for your child. Play dates are fun and important for parents and kids, but social time shouldn't take away from your child's nap. Find a time that works with both nap schedules--the children will have more fun and everyone will be happier.