Getting a good night’s sleep routine can be hard. But good sleeping habits can really improve mental health and help everyone cope with life:
The amount of sleep we need changes throughout our lives. Sleep Scotland recommends:
- New-borns 0-3 months 14 to 17 hours
- Infants 4-11 months 12 to 15 hours
- Toddlers 1-2 years 11 to 14 hours
- Pre-schoolers 3-5 years 10 to 13 hours
- School-aged children 6-13 years 9 to 11 hours
- Teenagers 14-17 years 8 to 10 hours
- Young adults 18-25 years 7 to 9 hours
Our ‘body clock’ works best if we stick to routines and prepare our environment to encourage good sleep.
Sleep Scotland suggest 10 tips to help your child sleep. Their support line team are available to offer individual one-to-one advice and support regarding any child or young person living in Scotland, aged 18 months to 18 years, to their parents and carers, or young people themselves. Complete their online form or email and a member of their team will be in touch with you directly.
Short Articles, Leaflets, Books
Teddy’s sleepy adventure – Story book to read to your young child – Teddy’s Sleepy Adventure for Parents
Parent and Carer Sleep Booklet –
Websites
Sleep Health Foundation – sleep-tips-for-children
Sleep Action – Sleep support for children and families
Mind Yer Time – Sleep advice
NHS – Sleep and young children (under 5s)
Apps
Videos
Helpline – Sleep Scotland
They also run a support line for parents offering advice about sleep for any child from 18 months to 18 years.
They can be contacted on 0800 138 6565 from Monday – Thursday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
If you are unable to call during these times you can contact them by email: sleepsupport@sleepscotland.org.
