How Many Hours Do 4 Year Olds Need To Sleep?
Most 4-year-olds need 11 or 12 hours of sleep a day, including naps. This means they should go to bed by 7 or 8 p.m. so they can get up in the morning rested and ready to start the day.
To help your child get the sleep they need, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. A few weeks of sticking to a regular sleep schedule can make a big difference in your child's overall health and well-being.
However, every child is different and some may need more or less sleep than others. Signs that your 4 year old may not be getting enough sleep include:
- being cranky or irritable
- having trouble paying attention
- being overly tired during the day
- falling asleep during the day
If you think your child isn't getting enough sleep, talk to their doctor.
It's common for children to have a brief "wake-up" period of 30 minutes to an hour during the night. Waking up more often than that is often a sign that a child isn't getting enough sleep.
Most school-age kids need at least 10 hours of sleep each night. Some may need as many as 12 hours.
A regular sleep schedule is important for children of all ages. It can help your child fall asleep more easily at night and feel rested during the day.
Some 4-year-olds may resist going to bed at first. They might try stalling tactics such as asking for a drink of water or wanting one more story. But if you stick to a regular bedtime routine, most kids will eventually fall asleep on their own.
During the daytime, a preschooler needs plenty of opportunities to expend energy so he or she will be ready for sleep at night. But avoid letting your child take a nap later than 3 p.m. A late afternoon nap can interfere with nighttime sleep.