Sleep has a direct influence on our health and mood, as well as our performance abilities during the day. In childhood, rest plays a fundamental role for the correct growth and development of children, as well as adolescents. They need energy to explore the world, to play, pay attention in class, do homework, and fulfill their extracurricular activities.
In this regard, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that all children thrive better if they have a regular nighttime routine. They warn that regular sleep deprivation in childhood leads to behavioral problems and health problems, such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypertension, obesity, headaches and depression. “Children who sleep well have healthier immune systems and better academic performance, behavior, memory and mental health,” the AAP maintains.
Therefore, a priority for parents is to establish a correct sleep routine for their children, ensuring that they get enough sleep. The number of hours of rest that a child needs varies depending on their age, although contexts such as how much activity they practice during the day or their state of health also influence.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine stipulates how many hours a day children need to sleep based on their different stages of development. In the case of babies from four to 12 months, they recommend sleeping 12 to 16 hours, including naps. For children from one to two years old, the guideline ranges from 11 to 14 hours, including naps during the day. While in preschool, for children from three to five years old, it is advisable that they sleep from 10 to 13 hours, which also includes naps.
In elementary school, for children ages six to 12, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends a sleep pattern of nine to 12 hours. Finally, adolescents ages 13 to 18 should sleep between eight and 10 hours.
Precisely regarding rest in adolescence, the American Academy of Pediatrics focuses on the fact that in this life stage young people need more hours to sleep, not less, as usually happens. They note that sleep cycles begin to change up to two hours later. In addition, secondary schools tend to start earlier than primary education, and it is also common for teenagers to stay up late, either to study or do homework, or to spend more time using screens. However, it is advisable not to neglect rest during adolescence.
