What is the typical sleep duration for a preschool-aged child (3–5 years)?

• A. About 11–12 hours per 24 hours, including naps for some.
• B. About 8–9 hours with no naps.
• C. 14–15 hours with daily naps.
• D. 10 hours with waking early.

Answer: (A)

Preschoolers typically need about 11–12 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, and naps are still common for some children in this age range. This total sleep amount, including daytime rest when a nap occurs, aligns with what many pediatric sleep guidelines recommend for ages 3–5. Sleeping less than this—such as around 8–9 hours with no nap—can leave a child tired, irritable, and less able to concentrate. Conversely, 14–15 hours is more typical for infants or very young toddlers, while 10 hours with early waking often isn’t enough for a child in this age group. In practice, aim for a consistent schedule that yields about 11–12 hours of total sleep, adjusting for whether your child still naps.