How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?

The amount of sleep you need changes with age.
Recommendations for sleeping by age group. Recommended hours of sleep per day for the age group
Newborn 0-3 months 14-17 hours (National Sleep Foundation)1
No recommendation (American Academy of Sleep Medicine)2
Baby 4-12 months 12-16 hours a day (including naps)2
1-2 year old toddler 11-14 hours a day (including naps)2
Preschool 3-5 years 10-13 hours a day (including naps)2
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Although the amount of daily sleep is important, other aspects of sleep also affect health and well-being. Good sleep quality is also important. Signs of poor sleep quality include feeling rested even after adequate sleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and symptoms of sleep disorders (such as snoring or yawning). Better sleep habits or a diagnosed and treated sleep disorder can help improve sleep quality.