Healthy Sleep Habits for Preschoolers

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine for your preschool aged child is vital to avoid behavior/adjustment concerns and health problems. Living in the unprecedented, and rather unpredictable times that we are, you may have difficulty maintaining a consistent and adequate sleep routine for your child. The remainder of this “Learning Corner” will cover common questions, concerns and tips for maintaining and implementing healthy sleep habits for your child.

How much sleep should my preschool aged child be getting?

Preschool aged children should have 10-14 hours of sleep a day. This includes nap times. Daytime activities that help contribute to a good night’s sleep:

1. Maintaining a consistent daytime schedule, as much as possible, will help your child feel safe and comforted. Starting with simple daytime routines such as consistent wake times, nap times and meal times, will better prepare them for bedtime.

2. Ensure that you are providing your child with the opportunity to expend their energy. Children require daily physical and mental stimulation. Incorporating daily outside playtime to expend physical energy, as well as mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, sensory bins and learning games will assist with falling asleep quicker when bedtime arrives.

3. Limiting screen time throughout the day, and especially in the hour before bedtime, has been proven to aid in more restful sleep.

Bedtime practices that contribute to a good night’s sleep:

1. Along with maintaining a consistent bedtime, alert your child 30 minutes before you will start your bedtime routine.

2. Have a consistent bedtime routine. Each night implement the same bedtime prep activities for example- Bathtime, pajamas, brushing teeth and hair, reading 2 books, prayer time and sleep time.

3. Create a cozy, dark and quiet sleep environment for your child. Picking out their favorite pajamas and sleeping with a special blanket or stuffed animal may make the child more inclined to be excited about bedtime.

Sleeping problems to look out for:

Reach out to your child’s pediatrician if you notice consistent difficulty sleeping, snoring, breathing abnormalities while sleeping or persistent night terrors. These are common sleeping problems among preschool aged children.

Although we may not be able to control the uncertainty of the world during this time, creating consistent daily routines and bedtime practices will help your child feel safe and secure. Implementing proper sleep habits at this age will carry over into their teenage and adult years and will promote mental and physical health.

Written by: Chase Best, RN, BSN

**Disclaimer: “the information provided in this handout is not a substitute for medical advice/care from your pediatrician. There may be variations of advice your doctor may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances”***

Sources: Healthychildren.org : written by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Kidshealth.org: The Nemours Foundation