How many hours of sleep do school-age children need?

School-age children from 6 to 12 years old generally need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night. There is no single ideal number for every child. Some feel well rested after nine hours, while others need 11 or 12. Sleep supports learning, memory, behavior, immune function and physical growth. To set bedtime, start with the required wake-up time and count backward by the amount your child appears to need. Allow an additional 15 to 30 minutes for falling asleep. Regular difficulty getting up, daytime tiredness, irritability, poor concentration or sleeping much later on weekends may indicate insufficient sleep. Consistent bedtimes, reduced evening screen use and a calm routine can help children receive enough rest during the school week.