how much sleep does a 4 year old need

how much sleep does a 4 year old need

5 hours ago 6
Nature

A 4-year-old typically needs about 10 to 13 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps

. More specifically, aiming for around 11.5 hours of total sleep is recommended, which aligns with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics

. At this age, some children still take a daytime nap, usually lasting 1 to 1.5 hours, while others may have stopped napping altogether

. If a 4-year-old naps, the nighttime sleep might be slightly shorter but should still total around 11.5 hours combined. If they do not nap, bedtime might be earlier to ensure they get enough nighttime sleep

. Typical sleep patterns for a 4-year-old might look like this:

  • Total sleep: about 11.5 to 12 hours
  • Naps: 1 nap lasting 1 to 1.5 hours (if still napping)
  • Bedtime: between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM depending on nap schedule
  • Wake time: around 6:30 AM

If a child stops napping, an earlier bedtime is often necessary to avoid overtiredness and ensure sufficient rest

. The range of 10 to 13 hours accounts for individual differences in sleep needs. In summary, a 4-year-old should get roughly 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily, with about 11.5 hours as a good target, including naps if they still occur

Read Entire Article