Sleep

Sleep

Sleep is essential for your child’s growth and development.  The recommended number of hours sleep for a child aged 6-13 is 9 to 11 hours.  To help your child get the right amount of sleep it is good to teach them about healthy sleep habits, with a regular and consistent bedtime routine.  This will help ensure your child wakes up feeling refreshed and better behaved.

 

Before bedtime aim for at least 30 minutes of quiet time, doing relaxing things such as a bath, put pyjamas on, clean teeth, go to the toilet, read a bedtime story, give your child a goodnight kiss and turn the lights off as you leave the room. 

 

Find more information on sleep:

nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sleep-problems-in-children

nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenssleep/Pages/childrenssleephome

nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenssleep/Pages/bedtimeritual

 

Sleep and autism

Children often have sleep issues but for those on the autism spectrum, sleeping well may be particularly difficult. Take a look at autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep/parents to find some strategies that can be used to help your child sleep better.