The National Sleep Foundation recommends 10–13 hours for preschoolers. 8–14 hours may be appropriate depending on individual variation.
Preschoolers (ages 3–5) begin consolidating sleep into one long nighttime block. Most children this age drop their afternoon nap between ages 3 and 5. REM sleep — essential for learning and imagination — is still elevated compared to adulthood, which is part of why preschoolers have such vivid dreams.
Every number on this page assumes you\u2019re an average sleeper. You probably aren\u2019t. Our 2-minute calculator gives you the exact bedtime that matches your cycle length — not the generic 90-minute assumption.
Start the calibration→The National Sleep Foundation recommends 10–13 hours per night for preschoolers. 8–14 hours may be appropriate for individual variation.
10 hours is the floor of the recommended range — sufficient for most preschoolers on a consistent schedule, but below the middle of the NSF range. If you feel tired at this duration, try adding 30 minutes for a week.
Bedtime depends on wake time, not age alone. Most preschoolers need 6 complete sleep cycles (~540 minutes, though personal cycle length varies from 75–115 min). Count backwards from the intended wake time to set a cycle-aligned bedtime.
Preschoolers (ages 3–5) begin consolidating sleep into one long nighttime block. Most children this age drop their afternoon nap between ages 3 and 5. REM sleep — essential for learning and imagination — is still elevated compared to adulthood, which is part of why preschoolers have such vivid dreams.
Yes — children under 5 typically need one or two daytime naps.