You probably remember most of the excuses your gave your own parents about bedtime. From the famous, “I need a drink” to “One more story, please” to the minimalistic, but classic “I’m not tired,” kids have been manipulating and avoiding bedtime since the first cave child wanted to stay up to play with his baby mammoth. But the fact is, the proper amount of sleep is critical for good health.
The National Sleep Foundation has issued the following guidelines for sleep in children:
| Age | Recommended | May be appropriate | Not recommended |
| Newborns
0-3 months |
14 to 17 hours | 11 to 13 hours
18 to 19 hours |
Less than 11 hours
More than 19 hours |
| Infants
4-11 months |
12 to 15 hours | 10 to 11 hours
16 to 18 hours |
Less than 10 hours
More than 18 hours |
| Toddlers
1-2 years |
11 to 14 hours | 9 to 10 hours
15 to 16 hours |
Less than 9 hours
More than 16 hours |
| Preschoolers
3-5 years |
10 to 13 hours | 8 to 9 hours
14 hours |
Less than 8 hours
More than 14 hours |
| School-aged Children
6-13 years |
9 to 11 hours | 7 to 8 hours
12 hours |
Less than 7 hours
More than 12 hours |
| Teenagers
14-17 years |
8 to 10 hours | 7 hours
11 hours |
Less than 7 hours
More than 11 hours |
| Young Adults
18-25 years |
7 to 9 hours | 6 hours
10 to 11 hours |
Less than 6 hours
More than 11 hours |
While the chart may be easy to read, it may sometimes be hard to follow with your own child. If you have questions about the amount of sleep your child is getting or need help with healthy sleep habits, contact your pediatrician for information and advice.
