Your preschooler needs good quality sleep for their growth, development, and learning. While your child sleeps, their brain and body are working hard to recover, restore and prepare for the next day. If your child has enough sleep, they are likely to be happier, have more energy, and be more active.

Every child is different, and your child may need more or less sleep than the guide. If you are struggling with your preschooler’s sleep and any impacts it may be having on the family, reach out to your doctor for support.  A regular and consistent bedtime routine can help your child prepare for sleep. If your child doesn't get enough sleep, it can impact their physical, emotional and cognitive health. 

See Sleep hygiene - Improving your child's sleep patterns for tips and advice.

"There is a huge reduction in negative mental health outcomes during adulthood if children sleep well during these important development stages. Think of it as an investment" - Dr Chris Seton (Paediatric & Adolescent Sleep Physician).

See Sleep for more information.

Sleep concerns for preschoolers

Sometimes, preschoolers will fight bedtime, so try to make going to bed an enjoyable experience and offer your child some choices in the process. For example, “Do you want to walk or tiptoe to bed?”. 

Remember to praise your child when they go to bed on time too.

Many young children will wake up in their sleep and wander to their parent's bedrooms. Children should not be punished for this, as they may not be fully awake at the time. The best remedy is to carry or walk them back to their bed and settle them back to sleep with minimum fuss and attention. 

See Sleep concerns for information or chat with your family doctor.