How much sleep does an 11-year-old need?

An 11-year-old generally needs 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Many children at this age benefit from about 9.5 to 10.5 hours. Puberty may begin to shift the child's natural sleep rhythm later, but early school schedules still require an appropriate bedtime. Encourage a predictable evening routine and limit stimulating activities close to bedtime. An 11-year-old who must wake at 6:30 a.m. may need to be asleep by approximately 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., depending on individual needs. Late-night phone use can significantly reduce total sleep, so keeping devices outside the bedroom may help. Daytime sleepiness, mood changes, poor concentration and difficulty waking may indicate that the child needs more rest.