How much sleep do kids need?
Sleep needs change a lot as children grow — here's a simple by-age guide, plus the habits that matter most.
A well-rested child is easier to feed, easier to move, and easier to live with. The amount of sleep that takes changes year to year — so it helps to know the target for your child's age.
The short answer: the American Academy of Sleep Medicine consensus, endorsed by the AAP, recommends 12–16 hours for infants (including naps) down to 8–10 hours for teens, with school-age children landing at 9–12 hours per 24 hours.
Find your child's sleep target
Children's Sleep Needs
How much sleep kids and teens need by age.
These are healthy ranges, not exact quotas — children differ, and the goal is a child who wakes rested and isn't fighting to stay awake during the day.
The single most reliable lever is routine. Consistent bed and wake times, even on weekends, keep the body clock steady, and getting screens off well before bed makes falling asleep much easier.
Common questions
How much sleep do children and teens need?
Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine consensus, endorsed by the AAP: infants 4–12 months need 12–16 hours (including naps), toddlers 1–2 years 11–14 hours, preschoolers 3–5 years 10–13 hours, children 6–12 years 9–12 hours, and teens 13–18 years 8–10 hours per 24 hours.
What helps kids actually get enough sleep?
Consistent bed and wake times — even on weekends — and turning screens off before bed make the biggest difference. A calm, predictable wind-down routine helps younger children especially.
Do naps count toward the total?
For infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, yes — the recommended ranges include daytime naps. School-age children and teens generally meet their needs with nighttime sleep.
This is general education, not medical advice. If your child snores, is hard to wake, or seems persistently tired despite enough sleep, talk with their pediatrician.