Blog by Michelle Hattingh
A good night’s sleep is crucial for your child’s growth and development, but how much sleep does your preschooler actually need?
Preschoolers between the ages of 3 to 5 years old need between 10-13 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period; this includes naps that are taken during the day. This is a general range and is dependent on the child; some may need a bit more; some may need a bit less.
Why Is Sleep Important for Preschoolers?
Getting enough rest can help your child by:
- Improving their overall mood throughout the day and helping with their emotional regulation
- Supporting their memory, concentration, and learning
- Helping their physical development and growth
- Having the energy they need throughout the day to play and explore
How to Create a Healthy Bedtime Routine
Bedtime can be a struggle for many parents; one way to overcome this is to start by creating a consistent bedtime routine, this will help your child to know what to expect and will give them time to mentally prepare for bedtime. Set a calming routing such as reading a book and spending some quiet time together; this can help signal to your child that it is time to wind down and get ready for bed. The key here is to be as consistent as possible and to establish bedtime as a routine.
By helping your child develop healthy sleeping habits early, you are building the foundation for their success both at school and at home. Remember that every child is unique, so find a sleep routine that works for your family.
