Sleep Schedule for 5 years 6 months old (Preschooler / Early School-Aged Child)

Most children naturally drop their daily nap between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. By 5.5 years, it is very common and completely normal for a child to no longer require or take a daytime nap. While some may still benefit from occasional naps, the majority of children at this age can get all their required sleep during the night. Focus on ensuring they get enough quality nighttime sleep (typically 10-11 hours per night).

If your child is resisting naps but showing signs of overtiredness (crankiness, hyperactivity, difficulty focusing), they may still need some form of rest. Instead of forcing a nap, transition to 'quiet time.' This means about 30-60 minutes where they engage in calm, independent activities in their room, like looking at books, doing puzzles, listening to quiet music, or playing with LEGOs. The goal isn't necessarily sleep, but a period of rest and decompression that prevents them from becoming overtired before bedtime.

If daytime naps are significantly impacting nighttime sleep (e.g., your child isn't tired until very late, or it takes hours for them to fall asleep), it's likely the nap is too long, too late, or no longer needed daily. Try gradually shortening the nap (e.g., to 30-45 minutes) or moving it earlier in the day (e.g., ending by 2:00-3:00 PM). If issues persist, consider transitioning to 'quiet time' instead of a nap. The total sleep needed at this age is around 10-11 hours, primarily at night. Prioritize consolidated nighttime sleep over a challenging nap.

Yes, inconsistent napping is very common at this age, as children are typically in the process of phasing out their daily nap. Some days they might be more active or have less stimulating mornings, leading to a need for a nap. Other days, they might be sufficiently stimulated or simply not tired enough to nap. It's perfectly normal for their need for a nap to vary. On non-nap days, ensure you still offer a quiet time to give them a rest period and prevent overtiredness, which can ironically lead to difficulty sleeping at night.

Maintain a consistent, calming pre-nap routine similar to their bedtime routine, even if shorter (e.g., reading a book, quiet play). Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment. Don't force them to sleep; instead, offer 'quiet time' as an alternative if they resist. Let them know it's a time for their body and mind to rest. If they fall asleep, great; if not, at least they've had a period of calm. Keep the nap duration reasonable (e.g., 30-60 minutes) and ensure it ends well before their usual bedtime (e.g., by 3-4 PM) to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.