Recommended Hours of Sleep by Age
How much sleep people need changes across life. This table lists the CDC recommendations, which draw on consensus statements from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Sleep Research Society. Ranges for babies and young children are per 24 hours and include naps.
| Age group | Age | Recommended sleephours per 24 h |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 0 to 3 months | 14 to 17 |
| Infant | 4 to 12 months | 12 to 16 (including naps) |
| Toddler | 1 to 2 years | 11 to 14 (including naps) |
| Preschool | 3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 (including naps) |
| School age | 6 to 12 years | 9 to 12 |
| Teen | 13 to 17 years | 8 to 10 |
| Adult | 18 to 60 years | 7 or more |
| Adult | 61 to 64 years | 7 to 9 |
| Adult | 65 years and older | 7 to 8 |
Notes
- The AASM pediatric consensus did not make a recommendation for infants under 4 months; the newborn range comes from the National Sleep Foundation and is listed by the CDC.
- Individual needs vary. Feeling alert during the day without relying on caffeine is a practical sign of enough sleep.
- Sleep quality and regular timing matter as well as total hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much sleep does an adult need?
At least 7 hours a night for adults aged 18 to 60, according to the AASM and Sleep Research Society consensus used by the CDC.
Do naps count for children?
Yes. For infants, toddlers and preschoolers, the ranges are per 24 hours and include naps.
Why do teens need so much sleep?
Adolescents are still developing, and their body clocks shift later in puberty. The AASM recommends 8 to 10 hours for ages 13 to 18.
Sources
More reference tables
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