How many hours of sleep do preschoolers typically require?

Preschoolers typically require about 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night to support their rapid growth and development. This duration of sleep is important for their physical health, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being. During preschool years, children are engaged in numerous activities that require both physical energy and mental focus, making adequate rest crucial.

Choosing 12 hours as an ideal amount aligns with the guidelines provided by pediatric health organizations, which recommend that children aged 3 to 5 years should ideally sleep within this range to ensure they have enough energy for daily activities and adequate time for growth and brain development. The specific range of 10 to 12 hours accommodates variations, as some children may thrive with slightly less sleep while others may need more.

The options that suggest fewer hours, such as 8 or 10 hours, do not meet the typical sleep needs of preschoolers, as many in this age group require more than that to function optimally. Selecting 14 hours exceeds the recommended amount for this age, as most preschoolers do not need that much sleep, further showing that 12 hours represents a well-balanced need for rest during these critical developmental years.