How much sleep SHOULD a 10/11 year old be getting?

Question

Like most of us adults, our children are not getting the sleep that they require. My question is not how much does your kid get or how to get her up in the morning. BUT, does anyone KNOW the recommended amount of sleep that a child of this age should be getting.

Bed time is 8:30, but she is just not being able to get things together to attend school on time in the morning. I know that her medications can be playing a big part on this, as does her special needs. WE have talked about bed earlier, but hey she is still and 11 year old and is not really ready for bed that early??

So does anyone know what is recommended for an average kid in this age range. Or if others find a suitable bed time that might work better?? She is trying.

Answer 1

Well, I have heard 9 to 10 hours for children. Mine gets about 10 hours because she goes to bed around 8:30 as well, but she usually is not falling asleep until about 9:00. I get her up just before 7:00 ( 10 hours) and she is generally ready to wake up and get ready in a timely manner. On the weekends, when she goes to bed at 10:00, she generally gets up just after 8:00, so this tell me that she really only needs a few minutes longer than ten hours.

Of course, my girl doesn't have to take meds, so we don't have an issue with that. Talk to your doctor and see if maybe there is another type of medication for her condition or maybe you can adjust what time of the day she gets it. That may make the world of a difference. Good luck to you! I hope you can figure it out, I know that schools are not always willing to work with us through situations.

Answer 2

Bedtime depends on what time the child has to get up in the morning. My daughter is 12 and is a night owl...always has been but gets 9-10 hours a night. 8:30 seems early for that age. My 8 year old goes to bed at 9PM and wakes up at 7 AM. She has 40 minutes to get ready before the bus comes.

Answer 3

8-10 hours is recommended. You have to ask yourself this question though....What is the quality of sleep? If you child is having a hard time getting up after having what is deemed to be the correct amount of sleep you should watch the sleep. Does she grind her teeth? Does she clench her jaw? Does she stop breathing in her sleep (apnea)? If so, she will not reach the third stage of sleep where the muscles are paralyzed and will end up with a sleep deficit. So, the real question isn't how much sleep your daughter is getting, it's the quality.

By the way, if any of the above are happening, they are treatable. You can check out more on the subject at www.webmd.com

Answer 4

Most doctor's recommend that a child of her age get 9-10 hours. BUT, with her medication and special needs, she may have different needs. Is this medication that can be discontinued for bedtime and taken in the morning? Talk to your pediatrician about it before making any decision. They may be able to switch meds or give you a better idea of the needs of your child.

Answer 5

It's recommended 8-10 hours a day. Does your child take naps during the day. When my kids were that age a couple days a week right after school they would sleep maybe an hour or two, just to rejuvenate themselves.

Answer 6

I was told by a child psychologist that at least 10 hours is required for my 10 year old son.

Since we have enforced an this with him, we have been doing much better with getting up in the mornings and far less melt downs durring the day.

Answer 7

At least 8-10 hours a night is appropriate for that age..

Answer 8

10 hrs is recommended for children that age ...my 8 year old goes to bed at 8:30 adf my 13 year old goes to bed at 9:00 they have to be up at 7am to be ontime for thier bus...but every morning its like pulling teeth to get hem up out of bed and out the door.

Answer 9

it is the usally 8 to 10 no more no less