Sleep Schedule for 5 years 4 months old
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up
Bedtime routine begins
Bedtime (lights out)
Bedtime
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wake Time
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my 5 year 4 month old still be napping daily?
For most children at this age, daily naps have phased out. It's common for children around 4-5 years old to transition to needing only nighttime sleep. While some might still benefit from an occasional short nap on a very active day, it's not typically a regular requirement. Focus on a consistent and adequate nighttime sleep schedule.
My 5 year 4 month old still takes a nap. Is this normal, and how does it affect their night sleep?
While less common, some children still need a short nap (e.g., 30-60 minutes) at this age, especially if they have an early start to the day or are particularly active. This is often okay if it's not too long or too late in the day. However, a nap can interfere with nighttime sleep if it consistently pushes bedtime too late or makes it difficult for them to fall asleep at night. Aim for naps to end by early afternoon (e.g., 2:00-3:00 PM) to protect nighttime sleep. If they struggle at night, consider shortening or dropping the nap.
My child no longer naps but gets tired in the afternoon. What can I do instead of a nap?
This is a perfect opportunity for "quiet time" or "rest time." Instead of forcing a nap, encourage your child to spend 30-60 minutes in their room with quiet, independent activities like reading books, doing puzzles, listening to audio stories, or quiet imaginative play. This allows them to recharge their bodies and minds without actually falling asleep, which helps preserve their readiness for nighttime sleep.
How much total sleep does a 5 year 4 month old need, now that naps are mostly gone?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 10-13 hours of sleep per 24-hour period for children aged 3-5 years. At 5 years 4 months, with naps mostly phased out, you should aim for your child to get approximately 10-12 hours of uninterrupted nighttime sleep. A consistent, early bedtime is key to achieving this, as it allows for ample rest without relying on daytime naps.
What are the signs my 5 year 4 month old has truly outgrown naps and I should stop trying to enforce them?
Look for these indicators: strong resistance to napping, taking a very long time to fall asleep for a nap (e.g., over 30 minutes), waking up from a nap feeling groggy or not refreshed, or, most significantly, a nap causing difficulty falling asleep at night, resulting in a later bedtime and less overall sleep. If your child is happy, energetic, and maintains good nighttime sleep without a nap, they've likely outgrown it. Transition fully to quiet time instead.