How Much Sleep Should a Toddler Get?

All children are different, and some toddlers may require more (or less) sleep than average. Most toddlers require between 10 to 13 hours of sleep per 24 hours.

General Guideline

While 10 to 13 hours of sleep is the norm, some children may need as much as 15 hours, or as little as eight hours of sleep. No single guideline applies to all children.

Naps

Most toddlers nap at least once during the day for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. Naps can be beneficial, but many parents find that late-afternoon naps interfere with their child's nighttime sleep patterns.

Not Enough Sleep

Toddlers who sleep very little (less than 10 hours) may be in physical pain from teething, ear infections or other health problems. Emotional disturbances can also contirbute to restlessness.

Too Much Sleep

A toddler who sleeps for very long periods of time may have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or nightmares, that prevents him from feeling refreshed after sleeping.

When to Worry

Contact a pediatrician if you have any questions about your toddler's sleep behavior. Your doctor can rule out a physical or emotional problem that might be interfering with your child's sleep.

References

• Sleep and your 1- to 2-Year-Old