Preschoolers and Sleep

Preschoolers (aged 3 to 5) need a good long night's sleep of 11 to 13 hours and even with this some might still need a nap in the day. Sleep in these years is very important for growth and their health and development and will strengthen the immune system reducing the risk of infection and illness.

Children aged from three to five need around 11 to 13 hours of sleep a night. Some may also have a day nap of about an hour. Sleep is important for their health, growth and development. If your child sleeps well, she will be more settled and happy during the day. Getting the right amount of sleep also strengthens her immune system and reduces the risk of infection and illness. By the time a child has reached preschool age new factors come in to bedtime routine. By this age their imaginations (often fuelled by nursery rhymes or fairy stories) can create monsters and bogey men which manifest in night terrors or nightmares. If this happens:
Explain that it was a dream and it can't hurt and give the child lots of reassuring cuddles.

Stay with the child until settled (or asleep) or even let them into your own bed.
If there is a recurring dream or fear it may need to be examined (explore what stories or television may have induced it etc)