Children: To Sleep or Not to Sleep? That is the Question...

Almost all children experience some type of sleep difficulty. Many times these difficulties will have effects upon their behavior, level of functioning, and general well-being.

Recent surveys have found that approximately 25 percent of kids between one and five years old experience some type of sleep disturbance.

With four small children of my own, I've had more experience with infant and child sleep patterns and disturbances than the average person! My friends call me as a resource for sleep related questions regarding their own children, so I guess that makes me sort of an unofficial "expert" on the topic.

How Long Do Babies Sleep?

**Babies Sleep Requirement Hours By Age**
Age	Total Hours (Including Naps)	Number of Naps
1 Week	16.5 Hours Total	4 Naps
1 Month	15.5 Hours Total	3 Naps
3 Months	15 Hours Total	3 Naps
6 Months	14.25 Hours Total	2 Naps
9 Months	14 Hours Total	2 Naps
1 Year	13.75 Hours Total	2 Naps
18 Months	13.5 Hours Total	1 Nap

How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need?

**Child Sleep Requirement Hours By Age**
Age	Nighttime Sleep	Daytime Sleep	Average Total Sleep
2	10.5 to 12.5	1 to 3 (1 nap)	11.5 to 15.5 Hours
3	10.5 to 12.5	1 to 3 (1 nap)	11 to 14 Hours
4	10 to 12	0 to 2.5 (1 or no nap)	10-13 Hours
5	10-12	0 to 2.5 (1 or no nap)	10 to 12.5 Hours
6	10 to 11.5	none	10 to 11.5 Hours
7	9.5-11.5	none	9.5 to 11.5 Hours
8	9.5 to 11.5	none	9.5 11.5 Hours

Sleep Disorders in Children

Sleep disorders in kids keep them from getting a full night's rest. Many children have difficulty falling and staying asleep, and suffer from several sleep difficulties throughout the night.

Common child sleep disorders:

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