Newborn babies sleep a lot. Your baby will have their own pattern of waking and sleeping that is unique to them. It is unlikely to fit in with your need to sleep. They will wake frequently and will need feeding during the night. Getting enough sleep is essential for their development, as it is the time when they can process their new experiences and skills.

As children get older, they need less sleep. Sleep patterns change when teenagers go through puberty. Their body clock shifts due to hormonal changes. This makes them feel like they need to sleep and wake up around 3-4 hours later than adults do. That’s why they often want to stay up late and struggle to get up in the mornings.

Teenagers need around 9-10 hours of sleep a night. If teenagers don’t get enough sleep this can stop them focusing on learning and having fun. It might make them grumpy and awkward too.

Sleep guide

Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies, but it can be from 8 hours up to 18 hours.

Below are the approximate hours of sleep needed by children of different ages.

Babies 4 to 12 months old

12 to 16 hours including naps

Toddlers 1 to 2 years old

11 to 14 hours including naps

Children 3 to 5 years old

10 to 13 hours including naps

Children 6 to 12 years old

9 to 12 hours

Teenagers 13 to 18 years old

8 to 10 hours

Who can help?

If you’re worried about your child, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. If your aged 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635 443

**Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

How much sleep is enough?