Sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. We need the right amount of sleep  for:

  • Learning – sleep boosts your concentration, attention and ability to store information learnt
  • Rest and repair – for growth and to strengthen your immune system to help tackle illnesses
  • Reducing stress levels – the right amount of sleep is good for your emotional and mental health

A child might struggle with sleep because of: 

  1. Changes or worrying things that have happened in their life’s
  2. Bad dreams and night time fears
  3. Not having a regular bedtime & daily routine
  4. Being ‘over-stimulated’ before bedtime by some foods or drinks, screen time or social media
  5. Their bedroom’s environment is too hot/cold, too light/dark or noisy/quiet
  6. Bedwetting
Your child's age Recommended sleep time in 24 hours
Infants 4 to 12 months 12 to 6 hours including naps
Children 1 to 2 years 11 to 14 hours including naps
Children 3 to 5 years old 10 to 13 hours including naps
Children 6 to 12 years 9 to 12 hours
Teenage 13 to 18 years 8 to 10 hours


Check out these links for tips on helping your child sleep: