Sleep and You

Toddlers to Pre-teens

How do you know if your child is getting enough sleep? Monitor your child's behaviour during the day. Clues might be: Level of irritability, energy level, activity level, mood, facial expressions. In general, children between 2 and 5 years seem to thrive on about 11 hours of sleep at night and maybe a nap during the day. This number gradually decreases. Late teens need 8 to 9 hours a night (similar to adults).

Tips for busy parents

Maintain a regular wake/sleep cycle for your child. Turn off the TV an hour before bedtime and interact with your child. Bath the child, read a story or just chat about the day. Make it a special time that the child looks forward to. Slumber does not always come easily. Get to know your child's habits. Try to set up rituals that you will be able to maintain. Having a teddy or special blanket or pillow may be part of the ritual.