How Long Should You Let Your Toddler Sleep?
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Toddlers Need the Recommended Amount of Sleep
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Judith Owens, pediatric sleep expert at the Baby Center Website, explains that most toddlers need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep in every 24-hour period, with a two-hour daytime sleep and the rest taking place during the night. In their book, "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers," Elizabeth Pantley and Harvey Karp explain that toddlers have abundant energy and never seem to slow down, even when they are exhausted. This means that parents and caregivers sometimes miscalculate toddlers' sleep needs and mistake sleep-deprived toddlers for ones who are not tired.
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Toddlers' Sleep Needs Vary
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Dr. Stephen Dowden of the Kids Health Website agrees that quality sleep is important for toddlers' growth and development. However, he explains, "There's no magical number of hours required by all kids in a certain age group." He concludes that toddlers' sleep needs vary; caregivers should not try to "force" toddlers to sleep during the day, unless they are irritable and obviously over-tired.
Bottom Line
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Pediatricians agree that toddlers need adequate amounts of sleep for healthy development. Pantley and Harp explain that, during toddlers' deep sleep, growth hormones are released, which makes deep sleep "very important for your child's physical development." Dowden explains that over-tired toddlers become "hyper, disagreeable and have extremes in behavior." Owens recommends that you assess toddlers' sleep needs by observing their daytime behavior. For example, sleep-deprived toddlers are often irritable, hyper-active and unable to concentrate during the day; it is often necessary to wake them up in the morning. They almost always fall asleep when in the car.
References
- Photo Credit sleeping baby image by Maya Kruchancova from Fotolia.com
