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Sleep is a vital component for healthy development, especially for children who are still growing. Unfortunately, not all kids get the sleep they need every night. School-age kids, in particular, can struggle with getting the sleep they need if their schedules are jam-packed with everything from homework to outdoor play to family time.
Symptoms of sleep deprivation in children
Symptoms of lack of sleep in children can manifest in ways similar to symptoms of grown-ups. According to Sleep.org by the National Sleep Foundation, school-aged children who don’t get enough sleep can have the following symptoms:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW- Hyperactivity
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times and during short car rides
- Need to be woken up in the morning (sometimes multiple times)
- Lack of interest, alertness, motivation, and/or an attention span
- Drowsiness at school or home
- Struggles in academic tasks
- Trouble falling asleep
- The need for regular naps
- Loud snoring, breaks in breathing, or extreme restlessness at night
- Night terrors or sleepwalking
- Separation anxiety
Verywell Family also writes that children with a sleep deficit tend to be more irritable, overly emotional, or moody. Other possible symptoms include temper tantrums and the tendency to have an outburst at the slightest provocation, according to Better Health Channel.
Sleep recommendations for children
No matter how many activities your child has to do (aside from school) every day, it’s still crucial to make sure he sleeps an adequate amount every night. This is the best way for your child to be well-rested and ready for all his daily tasks.
The National Sleep Foundation has provided the following recommendations for children according to age:
Newborns (0 to 3 months old)
Recommended: 14 to 17 hours
May be appropriate:
- 11 to 13 hours (not less than 11 hours)
- 18 to 19 hours (not more than 19 hours)
Infants (4 to 11 months old)
Recommended: 12 to 15 hours
May be appropriate:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW- 10 to 11 hours (not less than 10 hours)
- 16 to 18 hours (not more than 18 hours)
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Toddlers (1 to 2 years old)
Recommended: 11 to 14 hours
May be appropriate:
- Nine to 10 hours (not less than nine hours)
- 15 to 16 hours (not more than 16 hours)
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
Recommended: 10 to 13 hours
May be appropriate:
- Eight to nine hours (not less than eight hours)
- 14 hours (not more than 14 hours)
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School-aged children (6 to 13 years old)
Recommended: Nine to 11 hours
May be appropriate:
- Seven to eight hours (not less than seven hours)
- 12 hours (not more than 12 hours)
Teenagers (14 to 17 years old)
Recommended: Eight to ten hours
May be appropriate:
- Seven hours (not less than seven hours)
- 11 hours (not more than 11 hours)
Sleep deprivation can harm your child in multiple ways. Click here to learn more.
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