How much sleep do kids need?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine gives a range of hours for each age from 4 months to 18 years. Enter your child’s age to see theirs.
| Age | Hours | Naps |
|---|---|---|
| Infants 4 months to 12 months | 12 to 16 | Included |
| Children 1 to 2 years | 11 to 14 | Included |
| Children 3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 | Included |
| Children 6 to 12 years | 9 to 12 | Not mentioned |
| Teenagers 13 to 18 years | 8 to 10 | Not mentioned |
What the statement says
In 2016 the American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a consensus statement on the sleep that children need, in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. It gives a range of hours for each age group, and says to sleep that number of hours “on a regular basis to promote optimal health”. The table above holds the ranges.
For the three youngest groups, infants, children of 1 to 2 years and children of 3 to 5 years, the statement says the hours include naps. For older children and teenagers it does not mention naps.
Babies under 4 months
The statement gives no figure for infants younger than 4 months. It says the range of normal sleep is too wide at that age, and the evidence linking sleep to health is too thin.
Using the check
Enter your child’s age in months or in years and, if you like, the hours your child sleeps in 24 hours. The check says whether that number falls below, inside or above the range. A child who turns 1 moves to the next group on the birthday.
A range is a guide and not a rule for every child. If you are concerned about your child’s sleep, talk to your child’s doctor.
What this page does not cover
The statement gives hours and nothing more. It has no schedules, no nap times and no advice on wake windows, so this page has none.
Sources
Questions
How much sleep does a 6 month old need?
The consensus statement recommends 12 to 16 hours in 24 hours for infants from 4 months to 12 months, and says that includes naps.
How much sleep does a 2 year old need?
It recommends 11 to 14 hours in 24 hours for children from 1 to 2 years, naps included.
How much sleep does a 10 year old need?
It recommends 9 to 12 hours in 24 hours for children from 6 to 12 years.
How much sleep does a teenager need?
It recommends 8 to 10 hours in 24 hours for teenagers from 13 to 18 years.
Why is there no figure for a newborn?
The statement leaves out infants younger than 4 months. It says sleep varies too much at that age, and that the evidence linking it to health is too thin.
Published . Updated .