How Much Sleep Is Enough For A Growing Kid?

Kids needs sleep to keep them healthy, happy and strong. That is a given fact, yet may parents tend to worry if their kids are over sleeping, or whether they need more sleep. Most are still confused as to how much sleep is enough.

Today's Parent has released an article regarding the matter that was able to simply lay out in summary how much sleep would be enough for children according to their age groups. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released a guideline for the first time. This will help parents know how much sleep their kids will need that would be good for their proper growth and development.

Why is sleep so important? According to research sleep is important because it not only rejuvenates the body but its benefits also affects a child's behavior, and attention. Kids who have enough sleep have better learning process. Those who have to catch recommended sleep are at risk of accidents, hypertension, obesity, injuries, diabetes and depression.  As for teenagers, lack of sleep could cause them to have suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Here are the recommended guidelines regarding their daily/nightly sleep and how much children would need according to their age:

- Infants that are four to 12 months will need to have at least 12 - 16 hours of sleep. Infants younger than four months are excluded, in this count. They have a wider rage in what is considered a normal amount of sleep.

- Toddlers one to two years old are to sleep 11 - 14 hours in a day, including naps.

- Kids three to five years old will need to sleep 10 - 13 hours in a day.

- Those aged six to twelve years old will need 9 to 12 hours.

- Last but not the least, those aged 13 - 18 years old will need eight to 10 hours