Sleep. Glorious, glorious sleep. We all know we need it (well, except nap-resisting toddlers). But how much do we need? And what about our kids?
The Centre for Disease Control has put together a handy little video to help parents ensure they are putting their little dreamers down at the right time, based on their ages and sleep needs. Whether you have a napping newborn, a tired toddler or school-aged sleepers in the house, rest assured you give them enough time to recharge their batteries.
We should all note our family’s sleeping requirements and guidelines.
Baby & Beyond
Newborns (0-3 months)
14-17 hours:
Not consecutively, of course. And often in increments of anywhere from 45 minutes to seven hours.
Infant (4-11 months)
12-15 hours:
Again, not consecutively, usually split into two or three naps plus a night’s sleep.
Toddler (1-2 years)
11-14 hours:
One nap and one nighttime sleep.
Preschool (3-5 years)
10-13 hours:
Some preschoolers still nap. Most will drop the daytime sleep before they start ‘big’ school.
School aged (6-13 years)
10-13 hours:
Bliss!
Teenagers (14-17 years)
8-10 hours:
But normally, they trap themselves in their bedrooms for double the amount of time they spend there.
Adult Sleep
Of course, it’s not just the kiddies that need sleep. Parents need it, too. In between getting up for the kids, struggling with stress and battling a partner who keeps stealing the sheets, it’s understandable that we struggle with sleep.
Here is a breakdown of sleep requirements for adults. It turns out that four hours of broken sleep a night is not enough.
Young adults (18-25 years)
7-9 hours:
And, as you may still be able to recall, you can survive on nights without sleep and a diet of Red Bull and vodkas (and somehow still get up the next morning).
Adults (29-64 years)
7-9 hours:
Your sleep needs may remain the same as above, but your ability to survive on vodka has probably weakened immensely. Switch to coffee.
Older adults (65+)
7-8 hours:
Daytime sleeps during the day are just an added bonus.
