How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need?

THERE COMES A time during the day when eyes begin to droop, and behavior shifts from uplifting to downright tantrums.

Children and adults vary on how much sleep is needed to function.

For example, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the amount of sleep a child needs varies at different ages.

While different kids of the same age may require different amounts, there are science-based guidelines of suggested sleep amounts for each age, the academy reported.

Here are the guidelines:

• Infants: (4 to 12 months): 12 to 16 hours per day/night.
• Toddlers: (1 to 2 years) 11 to 14 hours.
• Preschoolers: (3 to 5 years) 10 to 13 hours.
• Grade schoolers: (6 to 12 years): 9 to 12 hours.
• Teens: (13 to 18 years): 8 to 12 hours.

Recognize Signs of Sleep Deficiency

You probably have sleep deficiency if you don’t get enough sleep in general, you sleep at the wrong time of day or you don’t fall asleep normally or stay asleep, the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reported.

The agency says you may be sleep deficient if you often doze off while:

• Reading or watching TV.
• Sitting in a public place, such as a movie theater, meeting or classroom.
• Riding in a car.
• Talking to someone.
• Sitting quietly after eating.