Regular, sufficient sleep is the foundation of a child's attention, memory, emotional regulation and growth. Children aged 1-2 need ~11-14 hours and ages 3-5 need ~10-13 hours. The most effective method is a calm bedtime routine repeated at the same time every day. Turning off screens at least one hour before bed makes falling asleep noticeably easier.
"My child just won't sleep", "every night is a bedtime battle"... Sleep is one of the toughest topics for preschool families. Yet regular sleep is critical not only for physical growth but also for a child's learning and emotion regulation. In this guide we cover sleep needs by age and how to build a healthy sleep schedule.
Daily Sleep Needs by Age
- Ages 1-2: About 11-14 hours, including naps.
- Ages 3-5: About 10-13 hours (naps gradually decrease in this period).
- Age 6 and up: About 9-12 hours.
Note: These ranges are general; every child's need is a little different. A child who is rested and cheerful during the day is usually getting enough sleep.
How to Build a Healthy Bedtime Routine
The key to sleep is predictability. A calm 20-30 minute routine repeated in the same order each night signals "bedtime" to the brain:
- Start at the same time (keep it as fixed as possible, including weekends).
- Follow a fixed order such as bath → pyjamas → teeth → book.
- Dim the lights and lower the noise; calm the environment.
- Reading together both builds connection and supports language.
Screens and Sleep
The blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that starts sleep; content also stimulates the brain. That's why turning off all screens at least one hour before bed makes falling asleep easier. We covered screen time in detail in a separate article.
Common Mistakes
- Putting the child to bed too late or at a different time each day.
- Active play or screens right before bed.
- Sugary or stimulating foods late in the evening.
- Creating dependence on the same external aid (rocking, screens) to fall asleep every time.
Sleep and School Readiness
Regular sleep helps a child focus and manage emotions during the day, which is a strong foundation for school readiness. When preschool routines and consistent order at home work together, the child is both happier and more prepared. At IEYP, the teacher follows each child's development and shares it with families through the IEYP App.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Children aged 3-5 are recommended to get about 10-13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. The exact need can vary slightly from child to child.
The most effective method is a calm bedtime routine that starts at the same time and follows the same order each night (bath, pyjamas, teeth, book). Predictability makes falling asleep easier.
The blue light of screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that starts sleep, and the content stimulates the brain. That is why screens should be turned off at least one hour before bed.
Track Your Child's Development Holistically
Sleep, nutrition and daily routine are all parts of healthy development. Get in touch to learn about IEYP's development tracking.
