Sleep Schedule for 5 years 9 months old
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up
Nap (optional, 30-60 minutes if needed)
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Bedtime
Bedtime
8:00 PM
Wake Time
7:00 AM
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my 5-year 9-month-old still be napping, or is it normal for them to have stopped?
By 5 years old, most children have naturally outgrown daily naps. However, some 5-year 9-month-olds may still benefit from occasional naps, especially if they have very active days, wake up very early, or have late bedtimes. It's a transitional phase, and what's 'normal' varies greatly. If your child is getting adequate nighttime sleep (10-12 hours) and isn't showing signs of overtiredness, a nap might not be necessary.
My child refuses to nap, but then seems overtired or irritable later in the day. What should I do?
It's common for children this age to resist naps. Instead of forcing a nap, implement 'quiet time.' This means your child spends 30-60 minutes in their room with quiet activities like reading books, doing puzzles, or playing independently with toys. This allows their body and mind to rest without the pressure to sleep. If they are still very tired, consider moving bedtime earlier to ensure they get enough restorative nighttime sleep.
If my child does still nap, how long should it be, and how will it affect their nighttime sleep?
If your 5-year 9-month-old still naps, aim for a short nap, typically 30-60 minutes. Longer naps can significantly impact nighttime sleep by pushing back bedtime or making it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Ensure there's a sufficient 'wake window' between the end of the nap and bedtime – generally 5-6 hours – to build up enough sleep pressure for a good night's rest.
My child sometimes naps at school/daycare but never at home. Is this a concern?
This is a very common scenario! The structured environment, peer influence, and routine at school or daycare can often encourage napping, even if your child no longer naps at home. It's generally not a concern unless these naps are significantly disrupting their nighttime sleep. At home, continue to offer quiet time if they seem tired, but don't force a nap. Focus on a consistent bedtime routine to ensure they get enough sleep overall.
If my child has completely dropped naps, how much nighttime sleep do they need at this age?
For a 5-year 9-month-old who is no longer napping, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend 10 to 12 hours of sleep per 24-hour period. Therefore, if they aren't napping, all of that sleep needs to come from their nighttime sleep. Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, is crucial to ensure they meet these sleep recommendations and avoid overtiredness.