Like adults, children’s individual sleep needs vary. In general, children need an average of 10 hours of sleep at night.

• Children under 5 years need about 12 to 15 hours of sleep daily (including naps).
• Children between 5 to 12 years old need about 10 to11 hours of sleep per night.
• Teens need about 8 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep per night.

When children routinely don't get enough sleep or when their sleep gets disrupted in the middle of the night, they may be at higher risk for obesity, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Take notice of your children first thing in the morning. If they are refreshed and alert, they are probably getting enough sleep. If they are hard to wake up or nodding off during breakfast, chances are they need more sleep. Talk to your children about their sleep. They may not tell if there is a problem unless you ask first.