Summer is soon coming to an end, which means nights out with friends or staying up binge-watching the latest shows will soon have to be over for South Florida students.
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“Sleep is essential to health,” says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Along with a balanced diet, physical activity, and of course, studying, sleep is one of the factors that contribute to a successful school year.
If you are wondering when you should put your kids to bed, here’s what AASM recommends.
Infants and toddlers
Though this age range isn’t heading to the classroom yet, sleep is just as crucial for little ones.
According to the AASM, they recommend babies from 4 to 12 months need to sleep between 12 and 16 hours in a day, and this includes naps.
For babies ranging from 1 to 2 years old, they need 11 to 14 hours of sleep within a day.
If parents are struggling to put their babies down, the organization recommends giving their infants a warm bath before bedtime, singing a lullaby and turning off the lights at bedtime.
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3 to 5-year-olds
AASM recommends 10 to 13 hours of sleep.
To help them get ready for bed, AASM suggests parents sing a song or read a book to their little ones.
6 to 12-year-olds
Parents should consider incorporating a strict bedtime, because according to the AASM, this age range needs a minimum of 9 hours of sleep. They recommend up to 12 hours of slumber.
If parents are having a hard time getting the kids to bed, AASM recommends shutting down devices at least an hour before bedtime, having the kids take a warm bath and brushing their teeth.
Teenagers
A good night’s sleep can help ease the attitude and eye rolls from your grouchy teenager. AASM advises this age range to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
If you have a “screenager” at home who refuses to put their phone down before bed, the research organization recommends teenagers turn off their devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime and to crack open a book instead.
For more information, AASM provides a sleep calculator that can provide what time your children should be sound asleep.
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