It’s important for everyone to get a good night’s rest but even more important for children. Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.

Sleep and Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. When they reach about 18 months of age their naptimes will decrease to once a day lasting about one to three hours. Naps should not occur too close to bedtime as they may delay sleep at night. Many toddlers experience sleep problems including resisting going to bed and nighttime awakenings. Nighttime fears and nightmares are also common. Many factors can lead to sleep problems. Toddlers' drive for independence and an increase in their motor, cognitive and social abilities can interfere with sleep. In addition, their ability to get out of bed, separation anxiety, the need for autonomy and the development of the child's imagination can lead to sleep problems. Daytime sleepiness and behavior problems may signal poor sleep or a sleep problem.

Sleep Tips for Toddlers:

• Maintain a daily sleep schedule and consistent bedtime routine.

• Make the bedroom environment the same every night and throughout the night.

• Set limits that are consistent, communicated and enforced.

Encourage use of a security object such as a blanket or stuffed animal.

Sleep and Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Preschoolers typically sleep 11-13 hours each night and most do not nap after five years of age. As with toddlers, difficulty falling asleep and waking up during the night are common. With further development of imagination, preschoolers commonly experiencenighttime fears and nightmares. In addition, sleepwalking and sleep terrors peak during preschool years.

Sleep Tips for Preschoolers:

• Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule.

• Have a relaxing bedtime routine that ends in the room where the child sleeps.

• Child should sleep in the same sleeping environment every night, in a room that is cool, quiet and dark – and without a TV.

Source: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/children-and-sleep