How Much Sleep Should Children Get?

​Why is Sleep Important for Children?

Children who get enough sleep:
  • Pay attention more in the classroom and do better at school.
  • Control their emotions more effectively.
  • Are more cooperative with adults and other children.
  • Experience less unhealthy weight gain.
Did You Know?
Children who use screens within an hour of bedtime may have trouble falling asleep at night.​  
Children with screens where they sleep get about 30 minutes less sleep a day on average.​

What can you do at home?

  • Have routines and schedules: Have your child go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Use the same bedtime routine each night and tuck your child into bed when they are sleepy but still awake.
  • Turn off screens: Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.
  • Have a calm environment: Keep your child’s bedroom quiet, cool, and dark. Turn on a fan for background noise, music can be distracting.
  • Limit foods or drinks with sugar or caffeine before bed.

Activities for Your Child

Create a bedtime routine with your child. 
Have them draw their routine and hang it somewhere they can see it. Try sticking to the routine every night.
Read a bedtime story or read a book about bedtime!
Let your child choose a story of their choice. 

More Information About Sleep

Sleep videos and activities for children and parents. 
Information about sleep for children from trusted pediatricians. 
Picture