Sleep Schedule for 5 years 5 months

At 5 years and 5 months old, most children have naturally dropped their regular daytime nap. It's very common for children at this age to be done with naps entirely. However, some children, especially those with very active days, those in full-day school, or those with later bedtimes, might still benefit from a short nap or quiet time. It's more important to observe your child's individual sleep needs and how a nap affects their nighttime sleep.

If your child at this age is still napping, aim for a short nap, typically no longer than 30-60 minutes. The timing of the nap is crucial: it should end by early afternoon, ideally no later than 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM, depending on their bedtime. A nap that is too long or ends too late in the day can significantly interfere with their ability to fall asleep at night and disrupt nighttime sleep quality.

At this age, it's common for children to resist naps, even if they show signs of fatigue. Instead of forcing a nap, consider implementing 'quiet time' in their routine. Encourage them to spend 30-60 minutes quietly in their room, looking at books, playing independently with low-key toys, or listening to an audiobook. This allows them to rest and recharge their bodies and minds without the pressure of falling asleep. If they still seem overtired, an earlier bedtime can compensate for the lack of a daytime nap.

Yes, it is entirely normal for a 5-year-5-month-old to have stopped napping. Their total sleep needs (typically 10-13 hours per 24-hour period) are now usually met entirely during nighttime sleep. If your child is no longer napping, you might need to adjust their bedtime to be earlier to ensure they are still getting sufficient restorative sleep. Watch for signs of overtiredness in the late afternoon or evening, which may indicate they need an earlier bedtime.

For children this age, a daytime nap can have a significant impact on nighttime sleep. A long or late nap can decrease their sleep pressure (their body's natural drive to sleep), making it difficult for them to fall asleep at bedtime, leading to a later bedtime, night awakenings, or early morning wake-ups. If you are experiencing challenges with nighttime sleep (e.g., long bedtime routines, frequent waking), evaluating the nap's length and timing is often the first step. You might find that eliminating or significantly shortening the nap, coupled with an earlier bedtime, improves nighttime sleep quality.