How Much Sleep is Optimal?

How Much Sleep is Optimal?
by Sherry L Harris

1) 1-4 Weeks- During this newborn stage, babies will sleep about 15-18 hours per
day. Most of the time, this is in short bursts of 2-4 hours at a time. Babies that were
born prematurely will often sleep more than this.

2) 1-12 Months- This is the stage in which your baby's sleeping pattern will become
more regular, and the exact age that they do this really just depends on the baby.
Generally, by six months they will be sleeping for six hours at a time and usually in
the evening. By twelve months they should be sleeping through the night. It is ideal
that children get 14-15 hours of sleep during this time, but many get about 12.

3) 1-3 Years- Toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep each night. This is the time
when children generally start needing only one nap a day in the afternoon. These
naps can be anywhere from 1-3 hours long. Often, toddlers only manage to get
about 10 hours of sleep each day.

4) 3-6 Years- Once this age is reached, it is unlikely that new sleep problems will
arise. They should get 10-12 hours a day, and 2 year olds still need naps while 5
year olds do not. Generally, children at this age go to bed from 7-9 p.m. and wake
up from 6-8 a.m.

5) 7-12 Years- During this stage, children should try to get about 9-12 hours of sleep
each night. The optimal bedtime is before 10 p.m., but as children get older and
busier this can be difficult.

6) 12-18 Years- Sleep is incredibly important in the teenage years, so it is
unfortunate that it is often the time when a person is the most deprived. Teenagers
should be trying to get the same amount of sleep that they got during their late
childhood.

About The Author

Need insomnia help? Sherry Harris offers FREE information packed ebook, "101
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There is no question that sleep is a
major necessity at any age. It is a
restorative process, which renews
cognitive ability and restores the daily
wear and tear on your body. Sleep
deprivation has serious consequences
over time, including various health
issues as well as a general mood
decline. Getting enough sleep can
help you maintain a sunny disposition
even in the most stressful of times.
However, each age group needs a
different amount of sleep.

Here are the hours you need at each
age:

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.