Do naps count toward a child's daily sleep total?

Yes, naps count toward a child's total sleep over a 24-hour period. This is particularly important for toddlers and preschoolers, whose recommended sleep ranges include daytime naps. For example, a 3-year-old who sleeps 10 hours at night and takes a 90-minute nap receives 11.5 hours in total. As children grow older, naps usually become shorter and eventually stop. A nap that is too late or too long can make bedtime difficult, especially for preschool-age children. If your child regularly resists bedtime, consider whether the nap schedule needs adjusting. School-age children usually receive their required sleep at night. Frequent daytime napping in an older child may suggest inadequate nighttime sleep, illness or another issue worth discussing with a healthcare professional.