How much sleep a child needs depends on their age. The table below shows recommended total sleep over 24 hours, with naps included for younger children. Use it to understand the overall pattern, rather than judging bedtime by a single night.
Recommended sleep over 24 hours
| Age | Total sleep per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| 4 months to under 1 year | 12–16 hours, including naps |
| 1–2 years | 11–14 hours, including naps |
| 3–5 years | 10–13 hours, including naps |
| 6–12 years | 9–12 hours |
| 13–18 years | 8–10 hours |
Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendations (PDF). The first birthday is grouped with the 1–2-year band here to avoid overlapping rows. The AASM does not set a range for babies under four months in this statement because normal sleep patterns vary widely and evidence is insufficient. Ask your baby’s health professional about their individual needs.
Count naps and sleep at night together
For example, a two-year-old who sleeps for ten hours at night and two hours during the day gets twelve hours in total. That falls within the range above. Two hours spent in bed awake would not count as two hours of sleep.
A simple note of when your child appears to fall asleep, wakes and naps can make the pattern easier to discuss. Our nap guide explains how daytime sleep changes as children grow.
Use the range alongside what you notice
Look at your child’s energy, mood and ability to take part in the day, as well as the amount of sleep. These observations help give context; they do not replace the recommended ranges or a professional assessment.
One unusual night after travel or illness is different from a persistent pattern. If you are unsure, record several ordinary days rather than repeatedly changing bedtime after one difficult evening.
Make room for enough sleep
Check whether school mornings, naps and evening activities leave enough time for rest. A short, repeatable bedtime routine can help organise the evening, but it cannot create extra hours if the schedule is too full.
Discuss persistent sleep difficulties, frequent snoring, breathing pauses or substantial daytime sleepiness with your child’s doctor. Bring your sleep notes so you can describe what is happening at home.