How much sleep do children need?

The amount of sleep a child needs varies based on the child's age, states the National Sleep Foundation. For instance, infants need nine to 12 hours of sleep each night plus several naps, while children between ages 1 and 3 require 12 to 14 hours of sleep each night.

The amount of sleep required by a child between the ages of 3 and 5 decreases to 11 to 13 hours each night, continues the National Sleep Foundation. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 need approximately 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night. The number and length of naps also decrease as children get older.