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How much sleep do we need

Girl smiling
Here’s a handy guide to help you understand how much sleep you or your child needs to thrive.
1 January 2019

We all need a good night’s sleep. But did you know that age affects just how much sleep we need? Here’s a handy guide to help you understand how much sleep you or your child needs to thrive.

How much sleep do we need?

Newborn | 0-3 months

14-17 hours

A newborn baby needs a lot of sleep. Sometimes they’ll spend up to two thirds of the day and night sleeping… just not all in one go!

Infants | 4-11 months

12-15 hours

As they grow, the number of hours a baby sleeps will change. But young babies still need plenty of sleep to help them grow and thrive.

Toddlers | 1-2 years

11-14 hours

Toddlers use up a lot of energy, so they need a lot of sleep. By now they may be sleeping longer during the night, but daytime naps are just as important.

Preschoolers | 3-5 years

10-13 hours

Just like toddlers, preschoolers need plenty of sleep. Remember, they’re developing rapidly at this age and sleep helps that development. Preschoolers may have a daytime nap, but try to keep it around lunchtime so it doesn’t affect their bedtime routine.

School children | 6-13 years

9-11 hours

Throughout childhood, the number of hours a child needs to sleep will start to decrease. But a good night’s sleep helps them with things like health, learning and mood.

Teenagers | 14-17 years

8-10 hours

During teenage years, our sleep needs start to level out. But teenager are in fact often sleep deprived, if they want to stay up late and have long lie-ins as the weekend. Although it can be difficult, keeping a good sleep routine is important for our mental health and wellbeing.

Adults | 18+ years

7-9 hours

Often as adults, we don’t get the sleep we need. But making sure to get the right amount of sleep helps with concentration, mood and wellbeing.

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Contact us: Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JE | Tel: 0161 283 4848

Established 1870 | Registered charity No. 209782 | Registered in England 00301722 | Vat No. 611 4005 06