Sleep Schedule for 5 years 7 months old
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up and start the day
Quiet time / Optional short nap (30-60 minutes). At this age, naps are often transitioning to quiet, independent play without sleep, but a short nap can still be beneficial if overtired from the morning.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Begin bedtime routine, aiming for sleep by 8:30 PM
Bedtime
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wake Time
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my 5 year 7 month old supposed to be napping every day?
Most children by 5 and a half years old have naturally outgrown daily naps. However, some may still benefit from an occasional nap, especially if they had a very active day, woke up exceptionally early, or are feeling unwell. Focus on your child's individual cues for tiredness rather than a rigid expectation. If they are well-rested and happy without a nap, they likely don't need one.
If my child still needs a nap, how long should it be and when should it happen?
If your 5 year 7 month old still occasionally naps, it should generally be short – ideally 30 to 60 minutes. It's crucial that the nap ends early enough in the afternoon, typically by 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM at the latest. A longer or later nap at this age can significantly interfere with their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep at their regular bedtime, leading to a much later bedtime.
My child has stopped napping and now seems overtired by bedtime. What should I do?
If your child is no longer napping, they will likely need an earlier bedtime to compensate for the lost daytime sleep. At this age, children typically need 10-11 hours of nighttime sleep. Watch for signs of overtiredness (crankiness, hyperactivity, clumsiness) in the late afternoon or early evening, and adjust bedtime earlier by 30-60 minutes if needed. A consistent, early bedtime is key to ensuring they get adequate rest without a nap.
My child resists naps but still gets very cranky in the late afternoon. How can I help them recharge?
If your child is past napping but still shows signs of fatigue, introduce 'quiet time' instead of a forced nap. This is a dedicated period (e.g., 30-60 minutes) in their room or a quiet space where they engage in calm, independent activities like reading books, looking at picture books, doing quiet puzzles, drawing, or imaginative play. The goal is a mental and physical break without actual sleep, allowing them to recharge and making it easier to last until bedtime without meltdowns.
My child still naps, but it's making bedtime a struggle. How do I transition them off naps effectively?
If naps are consistently pushing bedtime too late or causing significant bedtime resistance, it's likely time to transition away from them. You can try a gradual approach by shortening the nap duration (e.g., waking them after 30-45 minutes) or making naps less frequent (e.g., only on alternate days or after particularly busy mornings). Prioritize a consistent, age-appropriate early bedtime. If the nap is truly disruptive to nighttime sleep, eliminating it and substituting with quiet time (as mentioned above) while moving bedtime earlier is often the most effective strategy. Ensure they are getting plenty of physical activity and sunlight during the day to build healthy sleep pressure for the night.