How long should it take a child to fall asleep?

Many children fall asleep within about 15 to 30 minutes after lights out. Taking slightly longer occasionally is not necessarily a problem, especially after an exciting or stressful day. Regularly falling asleep almost instantly may suggest the child is overtired, while taking more than 30 to 45 minutes every night may mean bedtime is too early, the routine is stimulating or the child is anxious. Late naps, caffeine, screens and inconsistent schedules can also delay sleep. Keep a simple sleep diary for a week to identify patterns. Adjust bedtime gradually rather than making a dramatic change. If your child regularly lies awake for a long time, experiences distress at bedtime or has persistent sleep difficulties, discuss the issue with a pediatrician.